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Netflix has unveiled the final trailer for “Wake Up Dead Man,” Rian Johnson’s third installment in the Knives Out murder-mystery franchise. The film will first appear in select theaters November 26, before making its streaming debut on December 12.
Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc in what’s being described as his “most dangerous case yet” – though Netflix is keeping plot details tightly under wraps. Craig is joined by an impressive ensemble that includes Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Mila Kunis.
This marks the darkest chapter in Johnson’s whodunit series, which has become one of streaming’s most valuable franchises.
The star power doesn’t stop there. Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church round out the cast, with Josh O’Connor (known for his work in “The Crown”) also taking a prominent role.
Wake Up Dead Man represents the second Knives Out film produced under Netflix’s banner. The streaming giant acquired rights to the franchise from Lionsgate in a massive $469 million deal back in 2021 – a strategic investment that’s paid significant dividends.
The previous entry, “Glass Onion” (2022), proved to be a major success for Netflix despite not quite reaching the critical heights of the original 2019 film. It still managed to captivate audiences worldwide and solidify the franchise’s popularity.
While this film concludes Netflix’s initial three-picture agreement, both Johnson and Craig have shown interest in continuing the detective’s journey. Craig – who famously expressed relief at ending his James Bond tenure – seems to have found a character he’s genuinely excited to revisit.
The Knives Out series has distinguished itself with its blend of classic murder mystery elements and contemporary social commentary, earning both critical praise and commercial success along the way.
Johnson’s direction has been particularly praised for breathing fresh life into the whodunit genre while honoring its traditions – a delicate balancing act he’ll attempt once more with this latest entry.
