Rian Johnson’s popular whodunnit series returns with its third installment, titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” This upcoming film borrows its title from a U2 song and brings back the beloved detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. While plot details are still under wraps, Johnson shared a 45-second teaser on X announcing Craig’s return.
The original “Knives Out” (2019) introduced Blanc as he unraveled the mysterious death of novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). Its sequel, “Glass Onion,” premiered on Netflix in 2022, featuring Blanc solving a complex murder on a private island owned by billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton).
Known for its star-studded casts, “Knives Out” has previously featured actors like Chris Evans, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Hugh Grant. Here’s a look at who’s joining Daniel Craig in “Wake Up Dead Man.”
Daniel Craig
Returning as the sharp-witted Southern detective Benoit Blanc, Daniel Craig continues to charm as the series’ protagonist. Blanc’s background remains mysterious, but his gentlemanly demeanor and detective skills are unmistakable.
Josh O’Connor
Josh O’Connor, fresh from his role in the tennis drama “Challengers,” joins the cast. O’Connor’s busy 2024 also includes starring in Alice Rohrwacher’s thriller “La Chimera,” released in the U.S. after its Cannes debut.
Cailee Spaeny
Cailee Spaeny, who recently starred in A24’s “Civil War,” brings her talents to “Wake Up Dead Man.” Spaeny’s breakout role was in Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” and she is poised to shine in this high-concept mystery.
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott, known for “All of Us Strangers” and “Fleabag,” has been confirmed for the cast. Scott also stars in the 20th season of Variety’s “Actors on Actors” and leads the Netflix series “Ripley.”
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington, famous for “Scandal,” joins the ensemble. Washington’s recent role was as Professor Dovey in Netflix’s adaptation of “The School for Good and Evil.”
Glenn Close
Eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close brings her extensive experience to the cast. Close is also set to star in Simon Curtis’s comedy “Encore,” alongside Jeremy Irons and Henry Winkler.
Jeremy Renner
Jeremy Renner, after his fictional hot sauce cameo in “Glass Onion,” officially joins the cast. Renner is returning to the screen following a serious snow plow accident in January 2023.
Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis, known for “Bad Moms,” is a potential suspect in the new mystery. Kunis recently starred in and produced Netflix’s “Luckiest Girl Alive.”
Stay tuned for more updates as the mystery unfolds in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” What do you think of the cast so far? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to follow @NoConCulture on all socials!
