Last night, Saturday, May 31, Netflix’s TUDUM 2025 event lit up the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and the highlight for mystery fans was the brand-new teaser for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The third film in Rian Johnson’s wildly popular Knives Out series had the crowd buzzing, with stars like Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and more taking the stage to debut a 90-second clip that’s got everyone hyped for its December 12, 2025, release. Here’s the lowdown on what went down and why this teaser’s got fans losing it.
A Teaser That Hits Different
Forget the short, spooky graveyard vibe of the earlier May teaser—this new one’s a whole mood. It kicks off with Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, rocking longer hair and that iconic Southern drawl, saying, “This case cuts deeper than I expected.” We’re thrown into a rainy small town, with flashes of a creepy church, a blood-stained candelabra, and a tense scene in what looks like a rectory. Josh O’Connor’s playing Rev. Jud Duplenticy, a jittery priest, while Josh Brolin’s Msgr. Jefferson Wicks gives off serious stern vibes. Mila Kunis shows up as G. Scott, a no-nonsense police chief, and Jeremy Renner’s Dr. Nat Sharp drops a line about “no ordinary sin” while eyeing a body. The teaser wraps with Blanc staring at a note scrawled with “Wake Up Dead Man,” set to a haunting U2 cover that’s straight-up chilling. It’s darker and moodier than Knives Out or Glass Onion, and fans are eating it up.
What’s the Story?
Benoit Blanc, everyone’s favorite Southern sleuth, is back for what’s being called his “most dangerous case yet.” Plot details are hush-hush, but if you’ve seen Knives Out or Glass Onion, you know to expect a twisty murder mystery with a fresh batch of suspects, each shadier than the last. The title, Wake Up Dead Man, has a dark, almost cheeky vibe—maybe hinting at a case involving betrayal, faked deaths, or something totally out of left field. With Johnson’s knack for throwing curveballs, anything could happen. One thing’s for sure: it’ll be a puzzle packed with surprises.
Who’s in the Cast?
The Knives Out movies always bring a stacked lineup, and Wake Up Dead Man is no slouch. Alongside Daniel Craig, you’ve got:
Josh O’Connor (The Crown), who’s got that intense, shape-shifting energy.
Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction), a legend who’s bound to steal scenes.
Josh Brolin (Dune), bringing his rugged charisma.
Mila Kunis (Black Swan), ready to charm or maybe double-cross.
Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), back in a big way.
Kerry Washington (Scandal), who can do no wrong.
Andrew Scott (Fleabag), the hot priest turned potential suspect.
Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla), a rising star to watch.
Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), adding some fresh flair.
Thomas Haden Church (Sideways), who’s sure to bring his quirky gravitas.
This crew is a mix of heavy hitters and new faces, and you can bet they’ll all have secrets for Blanc to unravel. It’s like a dinner party where everyone’s got a motive.
When’s It Coming Out?
Wake Up Dead Man is set to drop on Netflix in 2025, though we don’t have an exact date yet. Rian Johnson’s already wrapped filming, as he shared on social media, so it’s on track for a slick release. After the smash success of the first two films, Netflix is likely to go big, maybe even tossing in a quick theater run before it lands on streaming.
Who’s Behind It?
Rian Johnson’s calling the shots again, writing and directing with his signature love for old-school detective tales, spiked with modern wit. Think Agatha Christie, but with a sharper edge. He’s teamed up with producer Ram Bergman through their T-Street company, and Netflix is footing the bill as part of their Knives Out deal. Johnson’s got a gift for crafting stories that are equal parts fun, smart, and surprising, and this one’s shaping up to be no different.
What’s the Vibe?
We’re in for another classic Knives Out experience: a knotty mystery, killer one-liners, and a cast of characters you can’t quite trust. The title Wake Up Dead Man feels like it’s daring us to guess what’s coming—maybe a case where someone’s “dead” but not quite, or a mystery that pushes Blanc to his limits. With a cast this good, expect some serious sparks, whether it’s Glenn Close being iconic or Andrew Scott pulling off something sneaky.
Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is the glue here, with his drawl and detective smarts tying it all together. The guy’s like a bloodhound in a fancy suit, and we can’t wait to see him sniff out the truth.
Why You Should Care
The Knives Out series has breathed new life into the whodunit, mixing old-school charm with fresh energy. Wake Up Dead Man is coming at a perfect time when we’re all craving stories that keep us guessing and make us laugh. With this cast, Johnson’s track record, and a new mystery to crack, it’s bound to be one of Netflix’s biggest hits in 2025.
For now, we’re left piecing together clues and hyping ourselves up. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is gonna have us on the edge of our seats, and we’re ready to follow Benoit Blanc into the chaos. Keep an eye out for more updates as 2025 gets closer!
Source: Netflix TUDUM