Excitement is building for the upcoming film in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out series, titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Netflix has announced that this highly anticipated installment will enjoy a limited theatrical release prior to its streaming premiere.
As reported by Variety, the film will grace select U.S. theaters for two weeks, from November 26 to December 12, coinciding with its debut on Netflix. Daniel Craig returns as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, tackling what promises to be his most challenging case yet. Joining Craig is an ensemble cast featuring Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
Let’s take a moment to dive into the intriguing storyline:
Young priest Jud Duplenticy (O’Connor) is called to assist the charismatic Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Brolin) at a troubled parish. Within this devoted yet troubled congregation are church lady Martha Delacroix (Close), cautious groundskeeper Samson Holt (Haden Church), high-strung lawyer Vera Draven (Washington), aspiring politician Cy Draven (McCormack), local doctor Nat Sharp (Renner), bestselling author Lee Ross (Scott), and concert cellist Simone Vivane (Spaeny). After an unexpected and seemingly impossible murder disrupts the town, local police chief Geraldine Scott (Kunis) teams up with the renowned detective Benoit Blanc to untangle a mystery that challenges all logic.
Wake Up Dead Man follows Netflix’s strategy of creating buzz through selective theatrical releases. The second film in the series, Glass Onion, also had a limited cinema run, albeit shorter at just one week. This tactic aimed to foster word-of-mouth excitement, drawing viewers to the streaming platform who may have missed the theatrical showing. Interestingly, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has previously remarked that he finds the traditional theater model outdated, yet Netflix continues to explore these limited releases.
Wake Up Dead Man, the new Benoit Blanc mystery. Thanksgiving in theaters, 12/12 on Netflix. More to come very sooooooooooon…. pic.twitter.com/kd7gjISJAt
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 2, 2025
While the theatrical run is limited, Johnson expressed his hope for a longer duration, stating, “We’re going to push for everything we can get in terms of theatrical, because I want as many people as possible to see it in that form,” during an interview with Business Insider.
What makes this movie special? The seamless blend of a captivating storyline with an all-star cast promises a thrilling cinematic experience. Johnson’s knack for delivering layered narratives will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
What is the release date for Wake Up Dead Man? The film opens in theaters on November 26, 2025, and will be available on Netflix starting December 12, 2025. This dual release strategy caters to both theater lovers and streaming enthusiasts.
Who stars in Wake Up Dead Man? The film features Daniel Craig returning as Benoit Blanc, alongside notable names like Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and Mila Kunis. This diverse cast is expected to deliver strong performances that will enhance the intricate plot.
Why is Netflix opting for limited theatrical releases? This strategy aims to create buzz and attract audiences to the streaming platform through enhanced visibility and word-of-mouth from theatrical viewings. Previous releases, like Glass Onion, have shown promising results.
What should fans expect from the storyline? Expect an engaging mystery filled with twists and deep character exploration, characteristic of Johnson’s writing style. The intriguing ensemble promises layered storytelling complemented by stunning cinematography.
As we await the release of this exciting new mystery, don’t forget to explore more related content and films that capture your interest. For the latest updates, visit Moyens I/O.