The gentleman detective is back with his sharpest wits and finest wardrobe yet! Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery brings Daniel Craig’s beloved Benoit Blanc to Netflix on December 12, 2025, following a limited theatrical run. After premiering to critical acclaim at TIFF and earning a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, this third installment takes the franchise in a darker, more introspective direction—and it might just be the best one yet.
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Wake Up Dead Man: Release Timeline at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| World Premiere (TIFF) | September 6, 2025 |
| London Film Festival | October 8, 2025 |
| Theatrical Release | November 26, 2025 |
| Netflix Streaming | December 12, 2025 |
| Runtime | 144 minutes (2h 24m) |
| Rating | PG-13 |
When and Where to Watch
Wake Up Dead Man hits select theaters November 26 before streaming globally on Netflix December 12. Unlike Glass Onion’s one-week theatrical window, director Rian Johnson confirmed theaters can continue showing the film after the Netflix release if demand warrants it.
For subscribers, the film becomes available worldwide on December 12 across all Netflix plans—from the ad-supported tier ($7.99/month) to premium ($24.99/month). No additional fees required beyond your existing subscription.
For more Netflix mystery recommendations, check our best whodunit films guide.
A Faith-Driven Mystery Unlike Any Before
Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church with a dark history. The story centers on Reverend Jud Duplenticy, a former boxer turned Catholic priest who’s sent to upstate New York after a disciplinary incident.
At Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, he encounters Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, an unpopular church leader connected to a rumored inheritance. When Wicks is murdered on Good Friday with evidence pointing to Jud, Blanc must untangle a web of faith, secrets, and desperation.
Johnson described this as the most difficult script he’s ever written, leaning into darker themes while maintaining the franchise’s signature wit and ensemble charm.
Star-Studded Cast Joins Blanc’s Investigation
Returning:
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
New Suspects:
- Josh O’Connor (Challengers) as Father Jud Duplenticy
- Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks
- Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix
- Mila Kunis as Police Chief Geraldine Scott
- Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp
- Kerry Washington as Vera Draven, Esq.
- Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church
Johnson compared his casting approach to “throwing a dinner party,” assembling actors who not only deliver stellar performances but genuinely enjoy working together.
For more ensemble cast breakdowns, visit our Netflix original films hub.
Critical Acclaim and Record Runtime
Critics gave Wake Up Dead Man a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with reviewers praising its soulful exploration of faith and Josh O’Connor’s scene-stealing performance. The consensus suggests this might surpass both previous films through its introspective nature.
At 144 minutes, it’s the longest Knives Out film yet—10 minutes more than Glass Onion’s 139 minutes. Watching all three back-to-back requires nearly seven hours, perfect for a Benoit Blanc marathon when Wake Up Dead Man drops.
The Title’s Musical Connection
The title references a 1997 U2 song from their Pop album, though Johnson notes he first encountered the phrase in American folk music. The director describes Pop as underrated and the song as perfectly fitting for the film’s themes—listen closely for potential clues woven throughout.
What’s Next for Benoit Blanc?
Johnson and Craig are already formulating ideas for a fourth Knives Out mystery. Johnson confirmed his willingness to continue the franchise as long as both he and Craig find them challenging and fun to create, and audiences continue enjoying them.
Netflix’s $400 million deal for Knives Out sequels (announced in March 2021) demonstrates the streamer’s commitment to the franchise, making future installments highly likely.
For official trailers and behind-the-scenes content, visit Netflix’s Wake Up Dead Man page.
How to Prepare for December 12
Suggested Viewing Order:
- Knives Out (2019) – 130 minutes
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) – 139 minutes
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) – 144 minutes
While each film features standalone mysteries with new casts, watching chronologically enhances appreciation for Blanc’s evolution as a character and Johnson’s growth as a mystery craftsman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wake Up Dead Man connected to the previous Knives Out movies?
Wake Up Dead Man is a standalone mystery with a completely new case and cast of suspects. Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, but you don’t need to watch Knives Out or Glass Onion to follow the story. Each film features self-contained mysteries similar to Agatha Christie novels—familiar detective, fresh crime. That said, watching the previous films enhances your appreciation for Blanc’s quirks and Johnson’s evolving directorial style.
Will Wake Up Dead Man stay in theaters after December 12?
Yes, potentially! Director Rian Johnson confirmed on social media that theaters can continue showing Wake Up Dead Man after its December 12 Netflix release if audience demand exists. This differs from Glass Onion’s strict one-week theatrical window. However, most theaters will likely prioritize the pre-Netflix period (November 26-December 11) for screenings, so catch it on the big screen during that window if you want the full cinematic experience with fellow mystery enthusiasts.
