As the holiday season approaches, fans of Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out mystery series have much to celebrate with the release of the final trailer for “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” This installment features Daniel Craig reprising his role as the charming Southern detective, Benoit Blanc, who finds himself unraveling the mysterious death of a parish priest in a hauntingly Gothic small-town backdrop.
The original “Knives Out” was praised for its clever storytelling and engaging blend of classic whodunit elements reminiscent of notable works by Agatha Christie, as well as films like “Clue” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” Its success prompted Craig and Johnson to collaborate on a sequel, “Glass Onion,” which drew inspiration from various detective stories, including Christie’s “Evil Under the Sun” and the lesser-known film “The Last of Sheila.”
In “Wake Up Dead Man,” Johnson has once again enlisted a stellar ensemble cast to enrich the narrative. Josh Brolin takes on the role of Monseigneur Jefferson Wicks, the charismatic priest whose death ignites the mystery. Joining him are Josh O’Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy, Glenn Close as the devoted churchgoer Martha Delacroix, and Mila Kunis as local police chief Geraldine Scott. The cast further includes Jeremy Renner as town doctor Nat Sharp, Kerry Washington as the meticulous lawyer Vera Draven, Daryl McCormack as the ambitious politician Cy Draven, Thomas Haden Church as groundskeeper Samson Holt, Andrew Scott as bestselling author Lee Ross, and Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane, a gifted former cellist facing her own challenges.
With each installment, the Knives Out franchise has built a reputation for its intricate plots and witty dialogue, making it a highly anticipated addition to the holiday movie lineup. The excitement surrounding “Wake Up Dead Man” suggests it will continue the tradition of offering viewers an enthralling mystery filled with unexpected twists and engaging character dynamics, ensuring audiences are in for a captivating cinematic experience this season.