In a thrilling announcement for mystery lovers around the world, Daniel Craig is back in action, reprising his role as the sharp-witted detective Benoit Blanc in the highly anticipated Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The official teaser trailer has dropped, igniting excitement across social media and setting the stage for what promises to be one of 2025’s most talked-about cinematic mysteries.
An Unsolvable Puzzle Comes to Life
Wake Up Dead Man centers around an “impossible crime” that has left even seasoned investigators baffled. The story begins with a shocking event during a sermon in a small New England town, where a priest is found murdered under mysterious circumstances. What makes the case even more perplexing is the discovery that the priest’s body is sealed within a concrete box – with no apparent way in or out. Enter Benoit Blanc, the master detective known for solving the most intricate of puzzles, played once again by Daniel Craig. His return promises audiences a rollercoaster of suspense, sharp wit, and unexpected twists.
The teaser trailer gives viewers just enough of a taste to whet their appetite without giving away too much of the plot. Shots of dark church interiors, cryptic glances exchanged among the ensemble cast, and eerie visuals of the concrete-sealed coffin build palpable tension. A haunting voiceover by Craig himself adds a layer of gravitas, setting the tone for the high-stakes investigation.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast Raises the Stakes
One of the standout features of Wake Up Dead Man is its impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Daniel Craig, the film introduces Josh O’Connor as Jud Duplenticy, a young priest whose enigmatic presence deepens the mystery. Josh Brolin portrays the charismatic Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, whose motivations remain shadowed in ambiguity. Glenn Close plays Martha Delacroix, a devout church lady whose involvement raises questions about faith and morality. Kerry Washington appears as the savvy lawyer Vera Draven, adding sharp legal prowess to the investigation.
Adding further star power are Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. Each character seems to harbor secrets, and their complex interactions are set to unfold in a narrative full of red herrings and layered clues.
Rian Johnson Returns to Direct the Detective Trilogy
Following the massive success of Knives Out (2019) and its sequel Glass Onion (2022), director Rian Johnson returns to helm this third chapter in the Benoit Blanc saga. Johnson, celebrated for his ability to blend clever plotting with sharp social commentary, appears to have crafted yet another gripping installment. The teaser trailer hints at a darker, more intense tone compared to its predecessors, as the crime’s nature—murder during a sermon and a body sealed in concrete—suggests a high level of theatricality and mystery.
Johnson’s return as director has sparked interest among critics and fans alike, eager to see how the narrative complexity will evolve while maintaining the signature wit and style that made the first two films so successful.
Release Details and Streaming Plans
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is set for a world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025. Following its festival debut, the movie will receive a limited theatrical release starting November 26, 2025, before landing on Netflix for global streaming on December 12, 2025.
This release strategy follows the growing trend of combining theatrical debuts with streaming availability, giving both cinema enthusiasts and home viewers an opportunity to experience the movie in their preferred way. Given Netflix’s massive global reach, the film is expected to break viewership records, especially considering the dedicated fanbase built by its predecessors.
Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ Is a Must-Watch
In an era where streaming content saturates the market, Wake Up Dead Man stands out for its unique combination of old-school whodunit charm and modern cinematic storytelling. Daniel Craig’s return as Benoit Blanc provides continuity for fans while promising fresh character development and unexpected revelations.
What makes this film particularly noteworthy is its commitment to the classic detective genre while infusing it with contemporary themes and social commentary—a hallmark of Rian Johnson’s directorial style. The teaser trailer’s visual tone suggests an eerie atmosphere filled with suspense and moral ambiguity, likely appealing to both mystery buffs and general audiences seeking a thought-provoking thriller.
Final Thoughts: Anticipation Builds Worldwide
As anticipation builds, social media platforms are already abuzz with speculation and excitement over the film’s release. The trailer has racked up millions of views within hours of its debut, and hashtags such as #WakeUpDeadMan, #BenoitBlanc, and #ImpossibleCrime are trending globally.
For now, audiences can only speculate about the twists and turns that Wake Up Dead Man promises to deliver. But one thing is clear—Daniel Craig’s return as the enigmatic detective is poised to make this holiday season unforgettable for mystery movie fans.
