Glenn Close is the latest high-profile actor to join the star-studded cast of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” Directed by Rian Johnson, this thrilling Netflix feature will see the return of Daniel Craig as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, per Deadline. The casting news for this highly anticipated third installment has been coming thick and fast, with Close’s involvement adding another layer of excitement.
Set to begin production in early June in the U.K., “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” has already lined up an impressive array of talent. The cast includes Josh O’Connor, known for “Challengers,” Cailee Spaeny from “Civil War,” Andrew Scott of “Ripley” fame, and “Scandal” alum Kerry Washington. With these actors already confirmed, Close’s addition cements the film’s status as a must-watch.
Glenn Close Joins a Stellar Ensemble
Glenn Close, an eight-time Oscar nominee and three-time Tony winner, is no stranger to captivating performances. Recently seen in Netflix’s action film “Heart of Stone” with Gal Gadot and the Apple series “The New Look” and “Tehran,” Close's schedule is packed. She is also set to star in Lee Daniels’ horror movie “The Deliverance” and the action comedy “Back in Action,” which was recently acquired by Amazon MGM Studios. News of her casting in the new Knives Out movie was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Plot details for “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” are tightly under wraps, but the film is expected to follow the same intricate and engaging path as Johnson’s previous entries in the series. Detective Benoit Blanc will once again unravel a complex murder mystery, surrounded by a cast of colorful and potentially suspicious characters.
Johnson, who wrote the script, will also direct and produce the film alongside his partner Ram Bergman under their T-Street banner. The Knives Out franchise has proven to be a contemporary revival of the murder mystery genre, captivating audiences with its clever plots and stellar ensembles.
A Franchise with a Proven Track Record
The first “Knives Out” movie, released by Lionsgate in 2019, was a massive success. It grossed over $310 million worldwide and featured a star-studded cast including Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Christopher Plummer. The film was critically acclaimed and earned an Oscar nomination for its screenplay, cementing its place in the modern mystery genre.
Following the success of the original film, Netflix acquired the rights to produce two sequels for a staggering $450 million. The first of these, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” was released in 2022 and featured another impressive cast with Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista joining Craig.
Close’s addition to the third installment is expected to bring even more gravitas to the franchise. Her vast experience and formidable talent are sure to enhance the film's dynamic ensemble. As production gears up, fans eagerly await more details on how Close’s character will fit into the intricate web of mystery and intrigue that has become a hallmark of the Knives Out series.
With an all-star cast and the proven direction of Rian Johnson, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter in this beloved franchise. The anticipation continues to build as each new casting announcement brings even more excitement for what promises to be a compelling and entertaining film.