Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Trailer Unveils a Thrilling New Case for Benoit Blanc

The Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Trailer, released on September 8, 2025, has ignited excitement among fans of Rian Johnson’s acclaimed murder-mystery series.

Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, this teaser for the third Knives Out installment introduces Benoit Blanc’s most dangerous case yet, set against a gothic, church-centered backdrop.

With a star-studded cast and a tantalizing “impossible crime,” the trailer promises a darker, more intricate chapter.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the trailer, its key elements, and what it hints about the upcoming film, which hits select theaters on November 26, 2025, and streams on Netflix December 12, 2025.

Highlights:

• Release Dates: In select theaters November 26, 2025; streaming on Netflix December 12, 2025.

• Cast: Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, joined by Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.

• Plot: Benoit Blanc tackles an “impossible crime” involving the murder of a priest (Josh Brolin) in a sealed concrete box during a Mass.

• Director/Writer: Rian Johnson, with Ram Bergman as co-producer.

• Tone: Described as the “darkest chapter” of the Knives Out series, blending gothic mystery with sharp wit.

What Makes the Trailer’s Premise So Intriguing?

The Wake Up Dead Man trailer dives straight into a chilling setup: a charismatic priest, played by Josh Brolin, delivers a sermon before entering a sealed concrete box in front of a congregation, only to be found dead thirty seconds later.

Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, describes it as a “classic, impossible crime,” evoking the locked-room mysteries of classic detective fiction. The trailer’s gothic imagery—church steeples, graveyards, and stormy skies—sets a brooding tone distinct from the vibrant settings of Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022).

Posts on X have praised the trailer’s “sinister vibe” and “puzzle-like mystery,” highlighting its appeal to fans of intricate whodunits.This premise suggests a story that challenges Blanc’s deductive prowess, with the trailer hinting at a web of suspects, each with hidden motives.

The focus on a religious setting adds a layer of intrigue, potentially exploring themes of faith, deception, and morality, all wrapped in Johnson’s signature blend of humor and suspense.

Who Are the Key Players in This Star-Studded Cast?

The trailer showcases a powerhouse ensemble, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as the charming, Southern-accented Benoit Blanc. Newcomers include Josh O’Connor as the young priest Jud Duplenticy, whose wild, rain-soaked actions in the trailer hint at hidden sins.

Josh Brolin’s charismatic Monsignor Jefferson Wicks is the murder victim, while Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church play suspects with colorful roles, from a devout church lady to a tightly-wound lawyer.

Jeremy Renner’s return to high-profile roles has also sparked buzz, with X posts calling his inclusion “a major win.”Each actor gets brief but memorable moments in the trailer, with Close’s intense prayer scene and O’Connor’s erratic behavior standing out.

The cast’s diversity and star power suggest a dynamic interplay of personalities, a hallmark of the Knives Out series.

How Does the Trailer Set a Darker Tone for the Series?

Unlike the colorful, satirical tone of Knives Out and the luxurious excess of Glass Onion, Wake Up Dead Man leans into a darker, more gothic atmosphere. The trailer’s visuals—moody lighting, ominous church settings, and a haunting score—signal a shift toward a more somber narrative.

Blanc’s narration about a “myth being constructed” and a murder “dressed as a miracle” suggests a case with deeper philosophical undertones. Web reports describe it as the “darkest chapter” of Johnson’s trilogy, a sentiment echoed by fans on X who note the trailer’s “eerie, almost supernatural” feel.

Yet, the trailer retains Johnson’s wit, with Blanc’s quip, “I solve murders,” delivering a touch of levity. This balance of grim mystery and sharp humor promises a film that’s both emotionally gripping and entertainingly clever.

What Clues Does the Trailer Offer About the Plot?

The trailer centers on the murder of Monsignor Wicks, killed in a seemingly impossible scenario inside a sealed box.

Blanc teams up with local police chief Geraldine Scott (Kerry Washington) to unravel the mystery, with suspects including a devout churchgoer (Glenn Close), a groundskeeper (Thomas Haden Church), a lawyer (Mila Kunis), and an aspiring politician (Daryl McCormack).

The trailer teases a complex puzzle, with Blanc stating, “To understand this case, you need to look at the myth that’s being constructed.” Brief shots of a stormy night, a slashing figure, and police cars circling a church hint at a layered conspiracy.

While the trailer avoids spoilers, it suggests a narrative that blends classic detective tropes with modern twists, possibly exploring religious symbolism or hidden agendas within the church community. The “impossible crime” setup recalls classic mysteries like Agatha Christie’s, but Johnson’s knack for subverting expectations ensures surprises.

Why Is the Release Strategy Significant for Fans?

The film’s release plan mirrors the franchise’s tradition of a Thanksgiving theatrical window, hitting select theaters on November 26, 2025, before streaming on Netflix December 12, 2025.

This follows the successful limited releases of Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022), which grossed $15 million in one week. The trailer’s debut at TIFF and screenings at the London Film Festival in October signal strong festival buzz, positioning the film as a holiday season highlight.

Fans on X have expressed excitement over the theatrical option, with some calling it “a must-see big-screen experience.”The December streaming release ensures global accessibility, aligning with Netflix’s strategy to balance prestige cinema with broad reach.

This dual approach caters to both cinephiles and casual viewers, amplifying the film’s cultural impact.Verified Information Table

What Can Fans Expect from Wake Up Dead Man?

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is poised to be a thrilling addition to Rian Johnson’s beloved franchise, with its trailer teasing a darker, more complex mystery.

The stellar cast, gothic atmosphere, and “impossible crime” premise promise a film that balances intellectual puzzles with emotional depth.

As Benoit Blanc tackles his toughest case yet, fans can look forward to a rollercoaster of twists, laughs, and jaw-dropping reveals.

Mark your calendars for November 26 in theaters or December 12 on Netflix, and prepare to unravel a holy mystery that’s anything but divine.