Summary (tl;dr)

"Knives Out 3," officially titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is currently trending as the highly anticipated third installment in the popular murder-mystery franchise, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as master detective Benoit Blanc, released in select theaters and soon on Netflix.

Essential Background

The "Knives Out" film series, created by writer-director Rian Johnson, began with the critically acclaimed Knives Out in 2019, followed by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in 2022. Each film features a standalone murder mystery with a new cast of characters, except for the returning eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig. Netflix acquired the rights for two sequels after the success of the first film, allowing Johnson the creative freedom to explore the whodunnit genre with new settings and themes in each installment, drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie's approach to detective novels.

The Full Story

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is generating significant buzz as it begins its theatrical run on November 26, 2025, ahead of its global release on Netflix on December 12, 2025. Rian Johnson has penned and directed this latest chapter, which promises to be the "darkest" case yet for Benoit Blanc. The plot centers on Blanc investigating a murder at a small Catholic church in Upstate New York, involving a new ensemble cast including Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. Filming for the movie wrapped in August 2024, and early reviews have been largely positive, with critics praising its intricate plot, thematic depth, and standout performances, particularly from Josh O'Connor and Daniel Craig.

Why It Matters

The trend surrounding "knives out 3" highlights the enduring popularity of the modern whodunnit genre and the franchise's unique appeal. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc and Rian Johnson's distinctive storytelling, which consistently delivers intricate puzzles and sharp wit. The film's exploration of themes like morality, religion, and faith, particularly with its setting in a Catholic church and a murder involving a Monsignor, signals a more introspective and potentially darker direction for the series, setting it apart from its predecessors. Its staggered release, with an initial theatrical window before streaming on Netflix, also underscores its significance as a major entertainment event, allowing both cinematic and home viewing experiences for a broad audience.

Geographic Location

• Upstate New York, United States (setting of the film's mystery)
• Toronto, Ontario, Canada (world premiere of the film)
• London, England, United Kingdom (international premiere of the film)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (theatrical release)