The cast of Knives Out 3, officially titled *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*, has been confirmed with a star-studded ensemble. The third Benoit Blanc mystery is now streaming on Netflix on December 12, 2025, with an all-new group of suspects surrounding Daniel Craig’s detective character. Verified reports list the key cast members and their roles in the latest whodunit.
The lineup blends returning and new talent led by Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc alongside prominent actors including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and others. Fans and critics have responded to the dynamic cast and intriguing character roles as the film expands the *Knives Out* universe.
Confirmed Cast of Knives Out 3 and Character Roles
*Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* brings together a range of acclaimed actors in roles central to the plot’s small-town mystery. Daniel Craig returns as the sharp-witted detective Benoit Blanc, who must untangle a perplexing murder at a parish in upstate New York.
The core cast includes seasoned performers and rising stars. Josh O’Connor portrays Father Jud Duplenticy, a young priest drawn into the investigation. Glenn Close appears as Martha Delacroix, an intense and devoted member of the church community. Josh Brolin plays Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, the victim whose death drives the plot.
Additional ensemble members bring depth and variety to the suspect list and supporting characters. Mila Kunis stars as Police Chief Geraldine Scott, combining authority with sharp intuition. Jeremy Renner is Dr. Nat Sharp, the town’s local doctor. Kerry Washington plays Vera Draven, a determined attorney. Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church round out the cast in varied roles that contribute to the puzzle’s complexity.
This extensive cast reflects director Rian Johnson’s continued strategy of assembling diverse and high-profile ensembles for each *Knives Out* installment, maintaining audience interest and creating layered narrative dynamics.
Why the Ensemble Matters for the Film
A strong ensemble is a hallmark of the *Knives Out* franchise, helping each mystery feel fresh and unpredictable. The mix of veteran actors and contemporary stars enhances the storytelling and engages various audience demographics. The casting choices influence both character interactions and promotional appeal for the film.
The dynamic between Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc and Josh O’Connor’s Father Jud adds narrative tension, while seasoned actors like Glenn Close and Josh Brolin anchor the dramatic stakes. Such casting gives each suspect weight and fuels critical discussion about motives and alliances within the plot.
Critics have noted that this ensemble’s chemistry and diversity contribute to *Wake Up Dead Man*’s distinct tone within the franchise. The varied backgrounds of the characters, including clergy, law enforcement, legal professionals, and civilians, generate complex relational networks that Blanc must decode.
The cast of Knives Out 3 helps drive the mystery and elevate the franchise’s storytelling, creating a compelling and intricate cinematic experience for audiences. The ensemble’s depth and range make *Wake Up Dead Man* a standout entry in the *Knives Out* series.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: Who leads the cast of *Knives Out 3*?
Daniel Craig leads the cast as detective Benoit Blanc, returning for the third mystery in the series. :
Q2: Which notable actors star in *Wake Up Dead Man*?
Key cast members include Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, and Kerry Washington among others.
Q3: What role does Josh O’Connor play?
Josh O’Connor portrays Father Jud Duplenticy, a young priest involved in the central mystery.
Q4: Is the cast of *Knives Out 3* larger than previous films?
Yes, it features a broad ensemble similar to earlier *Knives Out* films, offering numerous suspects and character arcs.
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