Detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, has become one of Rian Johnson’s most iconic creations. First appearing in the 2019 film Knives Out, Blanc’s distinctive Southern accent and unique methods of investigation captivated global audiences, paving the way for a contemporary whodunnit franchise.
The franchise’s third film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, has already received acclaim after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this past weekend. Netflix has also released the official trailer, which features Blanc investigating the mysterious death of a parish priest within a hauntingly Gothic small-town backdrop.
(Minor spoilers for Knives Out and Glass Onion are included below.)
Knives Out presented a cleverly constructed blend of classic murder mystery elements reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s work and other notable titles. The story revolved around bestselling author Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), who seemingly took his own life after a family gathering celebrating his 85th birthday. However, Benoit Blanc suspected foul play and ultimately revealed the true circumstances behind the death.
Following his tenure as James Bond, Craig found the role of Blanc a refreshing change of pace. He and Johnson quickly moved to produce a follow-up: 2022’s Glass Onion, which drew inspiration from Christie’s “tropical getaway” classic Evil Under the Sun and the underrated 1973 film The Last of Sheila. In this installment, Blanc ventured to a private island owned by tech entrepreneur Miles Bron (Edward Norton) for a murder-mystery weekend, where actual murder ensued, showcasing his investigative prowess.
Josh Brolin takes on the role of the fiery parish priest Monseigneur Jefferson Wicks.
The circumstances surrounding Wicks’ murder leave the star-studded cast at a loss for answers.
This latest film unites Craig with an impressive ensemble. Josh Brolin is cast as Monseigneur Jefferson Wicks, while Josh O’Connor portrays Rev. Jud Duplenticy, a younger priest. Other notable cast members include Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix, a devout parishioner; Mila Kunis as local police chief Geraldine Scott; Jeremy Renner as town doctor Nat Sharp; Kerry Washington as lawyer Vera Draven; Daryl McCormack as aspiring politician Cy Draven; Thomas Haden Church as groundskeeper Samson Holt; Andrew Scott as bestselling author Lee Ross; and Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane, a disabled former classical cellist.
Maintaining the tradition of keeping plot details under wraps, the trailer suggests that Wake Up Dead Man presents a classic locked-room mystery. The fiery monseigneur delivers his sermon to the congregation, only to enter a sealed concrete box, where he is mysteriously found dead just moments later. Can Blanc solve this perplexing enigma? His history suggests he can, employing his characteristic wit and style.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is set to debut in select theaters on November 26, 2025, followed by availability on Netflix beginning December 12, 2025.
