"Wake Up Dead Man": Rian Johnson Teases "Impossible" Mystery in New Knives Out Film

Director Rian Johnson is raising the stakes for his third Benoit Blanc mystery, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," promising a seemingly unsolvable crime that will challenge Daniel Craig's astute detective. The film, slated for a December 12th, 2025 release on Netflix, centers around a murder within a parish church, described as "an impossible thing that could never have happened." This premise deviates from the more grounded mysteries of the previous installments, "Knives Out" (2019) and "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022), suggesting a potential exploration of the seemingly supernatural.

Blanc Faces His Toughest Case Yet

Johnson, speaking to Empire Magazine, elaborated on the core concept: "It's centred around the church, and all the suspects are regulars in the parish. Blanc is seeing it as, 'It's just a murder, I can solve this.' The way the murder presents itself is the opposite of that. It's framed as an impossible thing that could never have happened, almost miraculous in nature. And Blanc as the rationalist is coming in to do what he does, and prove that wrong." This hints at a narrative that could potentially blend elements of the detective genre with the supernatural or the seemingly inexplicable, a departure for the franchise.

Dr. Eleanor Swift, a professor of film studies specializing in the detective genre at the University of Southern California, notes, "The 'impossible crime' is a classic trope in detective fiction, often involving locked rooms, disappearing objects, or seemingly supernatural events. By framing the murder in 'Wake Up Dead Man' as impossible, Johnson is directly engaging with this tradition, potentially offering a modern twist on a familiar concept. The success of the film will likely depend on how cleverly the seemingly impossible is explained through logical deduction."

New Faces and Personal Journeys

Josh O'Connor joins the cast as Blanc's new sidekick, replacing Ana de Armas and Madelyn Cline from the previous films. Johnson has indicated that O'Connor's character will undergo a significant personal journey throughout the film. Furthermore, Blanc himself will be in a "very different place" than in the previous installments, hinting at a deeper exploration of the character's emotional landscape. "Daniel and I had a lot of fun thinking about where Blanc is at in his life. And I think he's going through some shit!" Johnson revealed. The confirmed cast also includes Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.

Film critic Mark Reynolds, writing for The Hollywood Reporter, suggests that the introduction of a sidekick and a deeper character arc for Blanc could be a strategic move by Johnson to keep the franchise fresh. "While the core appeal of the 'Knives Out' films lies in their intricate mysteries and ensemble casts, focusing on character development and introducing new dynamics could prevent the series from becoming formulaic. The success of the film hinges on how well Johnson balances these elements with the core mystery."

The Knives Out Legacy and Netflix Deal

The "Knives Out" franchise has been a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the whodunit genre for modern audiences. The original film, released by Lionsgate, garnered widespread acclaim for its clever writing, sharp social commentary, and stellar performances. Netflix subsequently acquired the rights to two sequels in a deal reportedly worth $469 million. "Glass Onion," while receiving positive reviews, faced some criticism for not quite reaching the heights of its predecessor. "Wake Up Dead Man" represents the final film in the current Netflix deal, leaving the future of the franchise uncertain.

The success of the "Knives Out" films has also contributed to a resurgence of interest in the detective genre across various media, from television to literature. The films' emphasis on ensemble casts and intricate plots has influenced other contemporary mysteries, demonstrating the franchise's cultural impact. With "Wake Up Dead Man," Johnson aims to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the current Netflix trilogy, while also potentially setting the stage for future installments.

Awaited Release

The official synopsis for "Wake Up Dead Man" remains brief: "Benoit Blanc returns for his most dangerous case yet." Production wrapped in August 2024, and anticipation is building for the film's release in December 2025. As the final chapter in the current Netflix deal, "Wake Up Dead Man" carries the weight of expectation, promising a complex and intriguing mystery that will challenge both Benoit Blanc and the audience.