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A new game’s afoot and fans are foaming at the mouth for more information. Not because they’ve been poisoned, but because Rian Johnson’s latest installment in the “Knives Out” mystery series is starting to peek out through the fog. Day-by-day, new information has been revealed, from the title announcement to a plethora of casting details, and based on what we already know, the third mystery in the chronicles of Southern sleuth Benoit Blanc is shaping up to be another star-filled whodunnit and one of next year’s most anticipated sequels.
Earning almost 8x its budget and rave reviews across the board, “Knives Out” (2019) was a runaway hit and remains one of the greatest mystery films of all time. The fact that it came as a wholly original concept from Johnson makes it all the more unique. Perhaps not since “The Matrix” has a non-IP project made this much of an impact and once it crossed the $100 million mark at the box office, a sequel became a foregone conclusion. Somewhat ironically, rather than stick with original distributors Lionsgate, Johnson signed a deal with Netflix that would guarantee him a massive payday and two sequels, but deny him a full theatrical release for these films.
His first sequel as part of the deal, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” was also a critical darling, but with no wide release, only earned $15 million at the box office. It remains one of the most watched movies on Netflix, but no matter what, with his deal in place, Johnson gets to continue his series with at least one more film. Though perhaps not exactly as he’d like to. Along with the minimal theatrical window, Netflix also insisted on the “Knives Out” subtitle on each sequel, whereas Johnson said that he preferred a new title for each, both to mirror famous mystery novels and to not draw conclusions in relation to the franchise being serialized.
One of the pleasures of these films is Johnson’s ability to keep us guessing, so in that spirit and in tradition with the series, along with gathering the hard facts, we’ll also do our best to connect the dots about the upcoming Benoit Blanc mystery, giving readers some possible conclusions to be reached.
Rian Johnson Tells Viewers to Expect the Unexpected and Drops Title
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, writer/director Rian Johnson announced the beginning of production on the third ‘Knives Out’ mystery on May 24th by saying, ‘I love everything about whodunnits, but one of the things I love most is how malleable the genre is. There’s a whole tonal spectrum from Carr to Christie, and getting to explore that range is one of the most exciting things about making Benoit Blanc movies. We’re about to go into production on the 3rd one, and I’m very, very excited to share the title, which gives a little hint of where it’s going.’
Johnson followed up this tweet with a video reflecting on the past films and revealing the new one’s title, ‘Wake Up Dead Man.’
Based on the font choice, it seems ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may have a bit of an old-world lore to it, perhaps taking place somewhere like the Scottish Moors or a haunted English manor. A supernatural element may even be at play with the idea of ‘waking the dead’ being front and center. Is Blanc about to entertain a ghost story?
Josh O’Connor and Cailee Spaeny Pick Up Their Magnifying Glasses
According to Deadline, the first talents to join Daniel Craig are Josh O’Connor and Cailee Spaeny. Both actors are relatively new on the scene, but have had breakout years with O’Connor having lead roles in ‘La Chimera’ and ‘Challengers’ and Spaeny shining in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ and Alex Garland’s ‘Civil War.’
‘Wake Up Dead Man’ Scores Andrew Scott
A day after O’Connor and Spaeny were announced, Variety announced Andrew Scott joining the cast. Scott earned raves for his performance in Andrew Haigh’s ‘All of Us Strangers’ last year and was sinisterly delightful in Netflix’s ‘Ripley’ television series, so a role in the next ‘Knives Out’ film feels like the perfect next feather in his cap. Scott collaborated previously with Craig, playing a villain in the Bond film ‘Spectre.’
Are Kerry Washington and Glenn Close Suspects in ‘Wake Up Dead Man?’
Two dashes of spice have been thrown into the simmering cauldron that is the cast of ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’ On the same day Deadline announced Kerry Washington had joined the growing ensemble, The Hollywood Reporter dropped the news that Glenn Close was also adding her talents to the mix.
Honestly, it will be extremely disappointing if Close doesn’t kill someone in this movie and maybe even more disappointing if Washington doesn’t help her do it. I like the idea of Close playing a nanny-turned-assistant to Washington’s billionaire heiress, again offering an interesting class dynamic for Johnson to explore.
Jeremy Renner and Mila Kunis Keep ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ Hot
After a rough few years, Jeremy Renner is back in action with Deadline reporting him as the latest addition to the ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ cast. Later the same day, Deadline also reported Mila Kunis was on board.
Renner is known to actually exist within the ‘Knives Out’ universe as his small-batch hot sauce plays an important part in ‘Glass Onion,’ so it’s natural to assume Renner plays himself in the film, but will it be a cameo or a larger role?
Daryl McCormack Sharpens His Knives
Daryl McCormack, star of critical darling ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,’ has joined the expanding ensemble cast of ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’
No news on who he’ll be playing or plot details, but Johnson’s cast is shaping up to be one of his biggest and buzziest yet.
Does Josh Brolin Look Guilty to You?
Josh Brolin is quickly becoming a staple amongst ensemble films. His performance as Thanos in the Marvel Universe went down as one of the greatest villain arcs of all time. Joining ‘Dune: Part One and Two,’ he proved himself a mentor to the next generation of actors. Most recently, he also replaced Pedro Pascal in Zach Cregger’s upcoming ensemble horror epic ‘Weapons.’
Now, Brolin is continuing this trend by climbing aboard Johnson’s latest ‘Knives Out Mystery,’ ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ according to an exclusive in The Hollywood Reporter. The film sees him reunite with ‘Avengers: Endgame’ co-star Jeremy Renner.
Thomas Haden Church: Good or Bad?
‘Sideways’ star and Academy-Award nominee Thomas Haden Church is the last to join the extensive cast (at least in terms of the big names Netflix wants publicized). He’s coming off starring roles in Peaco*ck’s “Twisted Metal” series, as well as Kevin Costner’s upcoming western two-hander “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” and “Chapter 2.”
Production Begins and Blanc’s Got Long Hair
On June 10, Johnson announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that production on ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ had officially commenced, posting this photo of a typically sharped-dress Craig as Benoit Blanc, fedora in hand rather than hiding his luscious new locks.
Kerry Washington Says NDA on ‘Knives Out 3’ Is ‘So Tight’
Speaking in an exclusive with People, Washington discussed the current production underway on ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ and said, “It really feels like summer camp for movie-making.”
Praising the helmer of the ‘Knives Out’ film series, as well as her co-stars, Washington said, “I’m just so really honored that [Johnson] came to me for this role, … and I’m thrilled that I’m going to get to work with some old friends like Glenn Close, who I’ve known forever … and also Josh Brolin is an old friend, and some new friends, like Josh O’Connor.”
Though she may be eager for fans to find out more, Washington herself remains tightlipped on plot details. She said to People, “The NDA on this one is so tight. I’m terrified to say anything.”
That’s a Wrap!
On August 17, Johnson announced via X, formerly known as Twitter, that ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ wrapped production.
“Aaaand that’s a wrap on ‘Wake Up Dead Man.’ Went so fast! Best crew, incredible cast, this was a really special shoot and I cannot wait to put it together,” Johnson wrote.
Speaking with People around the same time, ensemble member Glenn Close shared her appreciation for Johnson and the production as a whole.
“It’s truly one of the best experiences of my life,” she said. Close later said of Johnson, “He’s such a fine human being. He’s kind, he’s brilliant. He has a great laugh!”
No official plot details have been revealed, but set photos showed both Josh O’Connor and Josh Brolin dressed as priests and Mila Kunis was seen in a law enforcement uniform.
