Daniel Craig returns as the charming detective Benoit Blanc in the latest installment of the “Knives Out” franchise, titled “Wake Up Dead Man.” Described by writer-director Rian Johnson as the “darkest chapter” in the series, this third film takes Blanc to an upstate New York town where a perplexing murder has turned the local community upside down.
The plot centers around Father Jud Duplenticy, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, who arrives to assist Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. When a sudden and seemingly inexplicable murder occurs, local police chief Geraldine Scott, played by Mila Kunis, recruits Blanc to help unravel the mystery. The film promises a blend of humor and suspense, but with a more Gothic and grounded atmosphere, as noted by Johnson. He describes it as “incredibly different from Glass Onion,” emphasizing the film’s earthiness and the intriguing setting of an old stone church surrounded by graveyards.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6 and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12, at 3:00 a.m. ET. The cast also features notable talents including Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, and Andrew Scott, among others.
In the earlier films of the franchise, such as “Knives Out” and “Glass Onion,” the rotating cast model has kept audiences engaged. The first film, released in 2019, features Craig as Blanc solving the mysterious death of wealthy novelist Harlan Thrombey, while “Glass Onion” sees him on a murder mystery getaway with a tech billionaire and his friends during the pandemic.
As fans gear up for the newest chapter of the “Knives Out” saga, excitement builds for another thrilling ride with the beloved detective. With its dark themes, strong performances, and engaging mystery elements, “Wake Up Dead Man” is set to capture both new viewers and long-time fans alike.