If you’ve been searching “Wake Up Dead Man where to watch,” you’re probably one of the millions of fans eager for the next chapter of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out mystery universe. The third film in the series, titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, brings back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc for another clever, stylish, and suspenseful case.
After the massive success of Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022), fans are waiting for new details — where it’s coming out, who’s in it, and what kind of mystery Blanc will face next. Here’s a full breakdown of everything we know so far, including the latest updates on when and where to watch Wake Up Dead Man in the U.S.
What Is “Wake Up Dead Man”?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the latest film written and directed by Rian Johnson, who revitalized the whodunit genre with Knives Out and Glass Onion.
The series follows the world’s most charming detective, Benoit Blanc, as he investigates high-society crimes filled with eccentric characters, secrets, and unexpected twists. Each movie features a completely new cast, a new setting, and a new mystery — so you don’t need to see the previous films to enjoy this one.
Johnson has said the title Wake Up Dead Man was inspired by a U2 song and hinted that the tone will be “darker and more emotional” than the first two installments. Expect a story that blends wit, danger, and atmosphere — with the kind of clever writing and sharp humor that fans love.
When Does “Wake Up Dead Man” Come Out?
Netflix confirmed that Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will be released in late 2025. While the exact date hasn’t been announced yet, production wrapped in October 2024, and post-production is now underway.
If Netflix follows its previous pattern, the film will likely premiere during the holiday season, between November and December 2025. This release window makes sense — both Knives Out and Glass Onion were December hits, and the timing lets fans enjoy a cozy mystery movie during the winter months.
So, while we don’t have a precise date yet, you can safely expect Wake Up Dead Man to be part of Netflix’s big end-of-year lineup.
Wake Up Dead Man Where to Watch
The question on everyone’s mind is: where can you watch Wake Up Dead Man?
The answer is simple — it will stream exclusively on Netflix.
In 2021, Netflix made a huge deal worth $450 million with Rian Johnson and producer Ram Bergman for two Knives Out sequels. That deal covered both Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man, making them Netflix Originals.
That means the film will not be available on any other streaming platforms like Hulu, Disney+, or Prime Video. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll be able to watch it only through Netflix, which will release the film globally on the same day.
Will “Wake Up Dead Man” Be in Theaters?
Yes — but only briefly.
Netflix plans to release Wake Up Dead Man in select theaters across the U.S. before its streaming debut. This limited theatrical run will likely last for one week, similar to what they did with Glass Onion in 2022.
Theaters such as AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are expected to participate, giving fans a chance to experience the movie on the big screen before it arrives on Netflix.
This short theatrical window also makes the film eligible for major film awards, including the Oscars. If early ticket sales are strong, Netflix might even extend its run — but for now, plan on a one-week theatrical showing around late November 2025.
Who Stars in “Wake Up Dead Man”?
Like every Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man introduces an all-new cast of suspects — alongside Daniel Craig’s returning role as Benoit Blanc.
Here’s the confirmed cast lineup so far:
- Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc
- Josh O’Connor (Challengers, The Crown)
- Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla, Civil War)
- Kerry Washington (Scandal, Little Fires Everywhere)
- Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, Hillbilly Elegy)
- Andrew Scott (Fleabag, Ripley)
- Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye, Mayor of Kingstown)
Daniel Craig’s return is one of the film’s biggest draws. His portrayal of Blanc — a mix of intellect, humor, and Southern charm — has made him one of modern cinema’s most beloved detectives.
Adding actors like Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, and Kerry Washington promises another dynamic and unpredictable ensemble — something Knives Out fans look forward to with every new mystery.
What Is the Movie About?
Rian Johnson is known for keeping his mysteries secret until release, and Wake Up Dead Man is no exception. However, a few details have been confirmed.
The film will take place in Europe, marking a new setting after the mansion backdrop of Knives Out and the sun-soaked island of Glass Onion. Johnson described the story as having a “gothic” and “emotional” feel — suggesting it might lean more toward dark intrigue than flashy satire.
While the plot remains under wraps, expect all the hallmarks of a classic Knives Out story:
- A suspicious death or murder,
- A mix of quirky and powerful suspects,
- Layers of secrets and lies, and
- Benoit Blanc unraveling the truth through sharp observation and charm.
Behind the Scenes: How the Film Was Made
Production on Wake Up Dead Man began in June 2024 and wrapped up in October 2024. Filming took place across Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Italy, giving the movie a rich and atmospheric European backdrop.
Rian Johnson once again wrote and directed the film, ensuring creative consistency across the trilogy. His frequent collaborators also returned:
- Steve Yedlin, cinematographer, known for his detailed visual storytelling.
- Nathan Johnson, composer (and Rian’s cousin), who crafted the memorable musical themes in the earlier films.
Together, they’ve helped create a unique visual and musical identity for the series — one that feels elegant, clever, and distinctly cinematic.
The movie is produced by T-Street Productions, Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s production company, which continues its partnership with Netflix.
Why Fans Are Excited About “Wake Up Dead Man”
There’s a reason Wake Up Dead Man is already one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. Fans love the Knives Out series for its perfect mix of intelligence, humor, and mystery.
Here’s what’s generating all the buzz:
- Daniel Craig’s Return: Audiences adore Benoit Blanc’s sharp wit and distinctive personality.
- Rian Johnson’s Writing: His mysteries balance tension and comedy, filled with clever dialogue and social commentary.
- A New Tone: The “darker and more emotional” approach promises something fresh.
- Incredible Cast: Every actor brings unique energy to the story, keeping audiences guessing.
- Netflix Accessibility: With a global Netflix release, millions can stream it instantly from home.
Given how successful Knives Out and Glass Onion were, expectations for Wake Up Dead Man are sky-high.
How to Watch “Wake Up Dead Man” in the U.S.
Here’s how you can catch the movie when it premieres in late 2025:
- Subscribe to Netflix:
- Basic with ads: $6.99/month
- Standard: $15.49/month
- Premium (4K): $22.99/month
Once it’s released, Wake Up Dead Man will be available to all Netflix subscribers.
- Look for Theater Screenings:
- Major theater chains such as AMC, Regal, and Cinemark will host limited runs.
- Check listings a few weeks before release to catch the movie on the big screen.
- Stream Instantly:
- After its short theatrical window, you’ll be able to stream the movie anytime on Netflix in 4K Ultra HD.
What to Expect from Benoit Blanc’s New Case
Each Knives Out film has had its own unique flavor:
- Knives Out was a modern take on a family inheritance mystery.
- Glass Onion explored wealth, fame, and ego in a tech billionaire’s world.
- Wake Up Dead Man is expected to dive deeper into themes of morality, death, and truth.
Benoit Blanc’s character continues to evolve — a mix of brilliance and humanity that makes him fascinating to watch. Daniel Craig has said in past interviews that he loves playing the role because Blanc “sees the world differently,” and that perspective will likely take center stage again.
Expect an intricate mystery with plenty of red herrings, unexpected turns, and one of those unforgettable Rian Johnson finales that flips everything upside down.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’ve been wondering “Wake Up Dead Man where to watch,” here’s your answer: the Knives Out sequel will premiere exclusively on Netflix in late 2025, with a limited theatrical run in the U.S. before it begins streaming.
With Daniel Craig back as Benoit Blanc, Rian Johnson behind the camera, and a cast packed with stars like Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, and Andrew Scott, this movie promises to be one of the standout releases of the year.
Whether you watch it from your couch or enjoy it in theaters, Wake Up Dead Man is shaping up to be a thrilling, clever, and visually stunning mystery you won’t want to miss.
Are you planning to see “Wake Up Dead Man” in theaters or stream it on Netflix? Share your thoughts in the comments below!