Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man Explores Faith and Murder in New Knives Out Mystery

Netflix has set a December release for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The new film is the third in director Rian Johnson’s hit franchise. It brings back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc. The story is a gothic whodunit set in a small Catholic church.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film draws heavily from Johnson’s own religious upbringing. The director grew up in an Evangelical community in California. This personal connection adds a new layer of depth to the popular series.

New Film Marks a Darker Turn for Popular Franchise

Wake Up Dead Man features an all-star cast. Josh O’Connor plays a young priest reassigned to a troubled parish. He is joined by Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, and Thomas Haden Church. The plot kicks off with a brutal murder inside the church community.

Johnson described the writing process as emotionally challenging. He wanted to express his personal history through a big-tent entertainment. The result is a film that is both a crowd-pleasing mystery and a deeper character study.

Theatrical Release Strategy Remains a Point of Discussion

The film will have a limited two-week theatrical run. It will then begin streaming on Netflix on December 12. This strategy mirrors the release of the previous sequel, Glass Onion. The approach continues to highlight the ongoing tension between streaming services and theater chains.

Johnson acknowledged the situation is complex. He noted that theater chains often resist playing Netflix movies with short exclusive windows. The director remains a strong advocate for the theatrical experience but understands the reality of his partnership with Netflix.

Wake Up Dead Man represents a bold evolution for the Knives Out series. Johnson successfully merges mainstream entertainment with profound personal themes. The film is poised to be one of the year’s most talked-about streaming events.

A quick knowledge drop for you

When is Wake Up Dead Man released on Netflix?

The film begins streaming on Netflix on December 12, 2025. It will also be available in select theaters for a limited two-week run prior to its streaming debut.

Who stars in the new Knives Out movie?

Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc. He is joined by Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, and Thomas Haden Church in a sprawling ensemble cast.

What is the plot of Wake Up Dead Man?

The mystery centers on a murder within a small Catholic church community. Josh O’Connor’s character, a young priest, finds himself at the heart of the investigation led by Benoit Blanc.

How is this film different from the previous Knives Out movies?

Director Rian Johnson has described it as a darker, more gothic mystery. It draws heavily from his personal experiences with religion, making it a more introspective entry in the franchise.

Will there be more Knives Out movies after this?

Johnson is open to making more Benoit Blanc mysteries in the future. His next project, however, is planned as a ’70s-style paranoid thriller for a wide theatrical release.