If you’re a person of taste, it’s likely that your knives have remained out since the 2019 release of the wonderful Rian Johnson mystery film Knives Out — I know mine certainly have. These ensemble-heavy crime-solving adventures are just a blast, and we as a culture simply deserve more films like this — ones that are star-studded, well-shot, and extremely well-written.
Johnson followed Knives Out in 2022 with another crime to be solved by Daniel Craig’s incredible Benoit Blanc, titled Glass Onion. Now, we are gearing up for a third entry into the canon of Knives Out Mysteries — here’s everything we know about the movie so far. Stay tuned, as this guide will be updated as more information about Knives Out 3 is revealed.
What Is the Title for Knives Out 3?
Despite the shorthand, the forthcoming feature does have an official (and officially intriguing) name: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Who is dead? Are they dead, if they’re able to be awoken? Is this a Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest situation? Many questions remain.
Who’s in the Cast of Knives Out 3?
Casting is still ongoing, but a few big names have been revealed in addition to the return of Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc. Josh O’Connor, fresh off the wave of success from Challengers, is reported to be joining alongside Priscilla and Civil War star Cailee Spaney, whose recent projects prove she’s ready for exactly the sort of broad spotlight a Knives Out film could provide.
Equally exciting is the casting of Andrew Scott, who viewers may recognize from his memorable work in Fleabag, All of Us Strangers, and Netflix’s Ripley. Anyone who used Tumblr during a specific timeframe will also recognize him as Moriarty from BBC’s Sherlock.
The highly decorated Glenn Close and Scandal star Kerry Washington have also come aboard, with the former coming off Apple TV’s The New Look and the latter taking a break from her starring role in the Hulu comedy series Unprisoned. Next, after a few years away from acting, Mila Kunis was confirmed to be joining the ensemble.
After his face appeared on a hot sauce bottle in Glass Onion, Jeremy Renner will appear in his real-life form in Wake Up Dead Man. It’ll make his first major film role since a tragic snow plow accident nearly took his life on January 1st, 2023. There’s a chance Renner will be playing himself in Wake Up Dead Man, considering the playful digs tossed his way in the 2022 film — while Renner doesn’t actually have his own small-batch hot sauce line, he did make an appearance on Hot Ones that involved him embracing the increasing spiciness without batting an eye.
Fellow Marvel cast member Josh Brolin will also be part of the all-star cast of Wake Up Dead Man, as will Thomas Haden Church.
What is the Knives Out 3 Release Date?
While no exact release date has been confirmed, we do know the film is slated for release in 2025. Although we’re all eager for the next Benoit Blanc mystery to land, casting is still underway, meaning shooting is still a few months off.
Will Knives Out 3 Be in Theaters?
If the rollout for Glass Onion is any precedent, it’s likely that Wake Up Dead Man will receive a brief theatrical run followed quickly by a wide release to Netflix, who acquired the rights to the movies in 2021. And although these films are plenty enjoyable in a living room, there’s nothing like the theatrical experience, especially for a whodunit. Here’s hoping Netflix finds a way for a longer theatrical window, even if it means the movie is already available at home, too.
