Benoit Blanc is gearing up for another thrilling mystery. Director Rian Johnson recently teased the upcoming adventure of the famed detective, revealing that the third installment of the Knives Out series will be titled “Wake Up Dead Man.” Scheduled to premiere in 2025, the film will see Daniel Craig reprise his role as the suave sleuth Benoit Blanc. Though details remain scarce, the anticipation is already building for what promises to be another captivating chapter in the franchise.

The original Knives Out film, which premiered in 2019, was a major success, leading to a lucrative deal with Netflix. The streaming giant acquired the rights to its sequels for a staggering $450 million. The first sequel under this deal, “Glass Onion,” debuted in 2022 with a brief theatrical run before becoming available for streaming on Netflix. The new film, “Wake Up Dead Man,” is expected to follow a similar release pattern, balancing limited theatrical exposure with a robust online presence.

Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig Reunite for Another Whodunit

Rian Johnson has made a name for himself in the mystery genre, alongside his work in science fiction with films like “Looper” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” In addition to the Knives Out series, he created the well-received whodunit series “Poker Face” on Peacock, starring Natasha Lyonne. Johnson’s knack for crafting intricate and engaging mysteries has endeared him to audiences and critics alike, and his excitement for the next Benoit Blanc film is palpable.

“In the beginning, the knives came out. Then, behold, the glass was shattered. But my most dangerous case yet is about to be revealed,” Daniel Craig narrates in the teaser video, alluding to the first two films, “Knives Out” and “Glass Onion.” This brief but intriguing hint has left fans eager for more details about the plot and characters of “Wake Up Dead Man.”

The announcement of “Wake Up Dead Man” sent ripples through the internet early Friday morning. Johnson posted a cryptic photo of a Pokémon egg on social media, sparking speculation among fans. Minutes later, he followed up with a statement about his love for the whodunit genre and its versatility. “There’s a whole tonal spectrum from Carr to Christie, and getting to explore that range is one of the most exciting things about making Benoit Blanc movies. We’re about to go into production on the third one, and I’m very, very excited to share the title, which gives a little hint of where it’s going,” Johnson wrote.

Building Anticipation and Expanding Horizons

Despite the success of the first Knives Out film, which grossed $312 million globally, Netflix opted for a limited theatrical release for “Glass Onion,” which garnered only $13 million before its streaming debut. Nevertheless, the streaming release proved successful, maintaining high viewership and sparking discussions online. The strategy for “Wake Up Dead Man” is likely to be similar, leveraging the platform’s reach to maximize audience engagement.

Rian Johnson’s schedule is packed as he juggles multiple projects. Alongside “Wake Up Dead Man,” he is working on the second season of “Poker Face,” further cementing his position as a master of the mystery genre. Additionally, he and his producing partner Ram Bergman recently signed a two-picture deal with Warner Bros., promising even more cinematic ventures in the near future.

As production gears up for “Wake Up Dead Man,” fans of the Knives Out series eagerly await more news. The combination of Johnson’s clever writing and Craig’s charismatic portrayal of Benoit Blanc has proven to be a winning formula. With a title that hints at yet another intricate and thrilling mystery, “Wake Up Dead Man” is poised to be a significant addition to the beloved franchise. The countdown to 2025 begins as the world prepares for Benoit Blanc’s most dangerous case yet.