The whodunit is back — and this time, it’s going to church. Drawing big cheers at the Toronto International Film Festival, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, aka Knives Out 3, premiered to a rapturous applause at the Princess of Wales Theatre, with the cast and crew on hand to celebrate the third and darkest, most political and most emotionally charged chapter in Rian Johnson’s genre-defining mystery franchise.
Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc in what writer-director Rian Johnson described as “a roller coaster ride” rather than a puzzle. “If you’re focused on the audience trying to figure it out, that gets boring real quick,” Johnson said during the post-screening Q&A. “It’s all about the characters — the story. You want an ending that punches you in the gut. That’s what we aimed for.”
What is ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ about?
Set in a modest but tight-knit town, the film follows young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), who is sent to assist charismatic Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). But when a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the congregation, it’s clear something sinister is lurking under the surface. Among the members of the church community: Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny), and Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church). With no clear suspect and mounting tension, local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) teams up with Blanc to solve a case that defies logic.
What the cast said after the premiere screening
Josh O’Connor said he was immediately drawn to the spiritual tension at the center of the script. “It’s about two priests who believe in the same God but have completely polar opposite views — one sees a loving God, the other a fearful, punishing God,” he said. “That was so compelling. It was a quick decision for me.”
Glenn Close said joining the film “felt like something out of heaven.” She added, “I never thought of myself in one of the Knives Out movies, and I was so thrilled to be included. And then to hear about everyone else who was in it — we just became this wonderful ensemble company. We kept each other company through the whole shoot, always in our tent wherever we were. Laughing, sleeping, reading, and getting to know each other. It’s one of the great gifts — to have such an intense experience with people you know will be your dear friends for the rest of your life.”
Mila Kunis got laughs recalling how she made her way into the movie. “I think I put myself in this,” she said. “I met with Rian and he didn’t offer me anything, but I offered myself. He goes, ‘I think you should read the script.’ I was like, ‘Nope, I don’t think it’s hard.’ And he’s like, ‘You should read it.’ Then I read it and said, ‘I really want to be in it.’ This has been an absolute dream. One of the greatest productions I’ve ever been on — and probably ever will be.”
Jeremy Renner said his role was pitched to him simply: “‘If you want to come to this party, you’re going to play a really sad dad.’ And I go, ‘I will.’ I love Rian, I love these movies — it’s kind of like winning the lottery.”
Kerry Washington got emotional reflecting on a powerful moment she shared with Close in the film. “I got so emotional when Josh was holding you, Glenn, and you looked up and said, ‘You’re good at this,’” she said. “One of the reasons is because we all felt that way every day — watching each other. You get called to be on a team of all-stars and just sit there, watching each other breathe life into these incredible characters. We were constantly inspiring each other and goofing off to try to mess each other up. It was such a delight.”
She also praised Daniel Craig’s quiet leadership. “He’s the through line of all these films, and the opportunity to be part of his legacy is extraordinary. Everyone who signs up for this knows it’s about being in an ensemble. Sharing the weight. Sharing the spotlight. And there was so much generosity and real love.”
Andrew Scott echoed that spirit. “Sometimes when you’ve had a great time filming, the end result doesn’t match,” he said. “But here? The joy of making it is actually visible onscreen. And Rian, of course, insisted we all watch it with the audience tonight — which tells you everything you need to know about how much he loves this cast, this story, and this moment.”
Cailee Spaeny added, “I’m still in shock after seeing that. It was a wild ride. Thank you, Rian, for letting me be part of this. Big swing and a freaking home run.”
And Daryl McCormack summed it up simply: “I remember my agent telling me, ‘Rian Johnson wants to meet with you for the next Knives Out.’ And I was like, ‘The one with all the A-listers?’ I’m just in awe — of Rian, of everyone here. It’s a dream.”
When is ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ in theaters
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery opens in select theaters Nov. 26 and begins streaming on Netflix Dec. 12.
Netflix also released a teaser trailer and new images on Monday for the film. You can view those below:
