Detective Blanc Returns in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” — A Murder That Will Take Divine Intervention to Solve

The Knives Out franchise, a fan-favorite for its intricate plots, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable performances, is returning with its third installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Rian Johnson, who wrote and directed the first two films, is once again bringing his signature style of mystery, suspense, and dark humor, with an all-star ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and Josh Brolin. This new chapter in the series promises to be more thrilling, dangerous, and enigmatic than ever before.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Mystery to Life

The trailer for Wake Up Dead Man was officially released on November 17, 2025, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the third film of the Knives Out series. Daniel Craig returns as the brilliant and charming Southern detective, Benoit Blanc. As with the previous two films, Blanc is faced with a complex and twisted case that seems to go far beyond simple crime-solving.

Joining Craig in this highly anticipated mystery are Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. The film’s ensemble cast promises a powerhouse of performances that will keep viewers at the edge of their seats.

The mystery centers around the gruesome murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, who is killed in a shocking on-stage death. O’Connor stars as Jud Duplenticy, a young priest and the film’s primary suspect, who may be more involved in the murder than he lets on. The fact that the crime occurs on stage adds an element of the theatrical, creating an air of intrigue and suspense that permeates the entire trailer.

A Gripping Murder with Deep Religious Overtones

In the trailer, we see local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) interrogating Jud Duplenticy (O’Connor), asking the tough questions: “You’re the only one at that church who hates his guts. So tell me, what the hell happened?” The tension between the two characters is palpable, and it is clear that Duplenticy’s connection to the victim is complicated—part professional, part personal.

While the trailer offers little in terms of the specifics of the murder, it suggests that the case is much more than a simple crime of passion. The involvement of a priest, a church, and the chilling performance of Josh O’Connor, whose character harbors a deep-seated grudge against his colleague, hints at dark, religious undertones. As the investigation deepens, viewers are promised a mystery that delves into the psyche of its characters, exploring secrets, betrayals, and moral dilemmas.

Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, who often finds himself in the role of the calm, calculating observer, plays a crucial role in unraveling this complex web. “This goes way beyond normal police work,” Blanc cautions police chief Scott in the trailer, which further suggests that the case may require something more than just a detective’s skill—it may take divine intervention to crack it.

The Latest Chapter in a Growing Franchise

Knives Out debuted in 2019 as a witty and highly original take on the classic whodunit genre, featuring Daniel Craig as the eccentric and highly competent detective Benoit Blanc. The film was a massive success, both critically and commercially, and it quickly became a cultural touchstone. It was followed by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in 2022, which also received rave reviews and cemented Craig’s character as a modern detective icon.

Now, with Wake Up Dead Man, the Knives Out franchise is set to return with an even bigger, more star-studded cast and a mystery that promises to push the boundaries of the genre. Rian Johnson’s writing and direction, which earned acclaim in the first two films, are expected to deliver a fresh and captivating story that explores darker, more psychological themes.

The trailer itself hints at an investigation that may stretch the limits of logic and reason, blending the religious with the criminal, and creating a suspenseful atmosphere that will keep audiences guessing. The introduction of new characters, particularly the brooding figure of Josh O’Connor’s Jud Duplenticy, adds new layers of intrigue and depth to the series.

Fans React to the First Look

As soon as the trailer dropped, social media was flooded with reactions from eager fans of the franchise. Early viewers hailed the trailer as “incredible,” “a must-see,” and “next-level television,” praising the combination of its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and the darker, more complex elements that seem to characterize this third installment. Fans of the previous two films have already begun speculating about the mystery, with many drawing comparisons to past detective series, such as Sherlock, True Detective, and Luther. The intense first episode and its jaw-dropping cliffhanger are already sparking debates online about the identity of the killer and the true motives behind the crime.

Many are already calling the series “bigger than Sherlock,” with some suggesting that this film might push the boundaries of traditional detective stories. As the mysteries of Wake Up Dead Man unfold, fans expect another deep dive into a world filled with flawed characters, shocking twists, and moments of high-stakes tension.

What’s Next for Benoit Blanc?

For fans of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, Wake Up Dead Man promises to be his most dangerous and thrilling case yet. Given the complexity of the crime and the high-profile cast, this next chapter is set to elevate the Knives Out franchise to new heights. As always, Benoit Blanc will need to use his sharp wit and keen observation to untangle the truth from a web of lies and deceit, but this time, it seems the stakes may be higher than ever before.

The trailer has certainly set expectations for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and with a plot that’s as mysterious as it is compelling, fans are already counting down the days until its release. This is a mystery that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and leave them eagerly awaiting each new revelation.