Cast of Knives Out 3 revealed and the lineup shocks everyone who sees the full ensemble

Cast of Knives Out 3 has been revealed in full glory, with Daniel Craig returning as detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a new dark mystery. The all-star ensemble for Wake Up Dead Man includes Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Josh O’Connor, and a stellar supporting cast now streaming on Netflix. Director Rian Johnson assembles another star-studded lineup for what promises to be the most complex Knives Out mystery yet.

Daniel Craig Returns as Master Detective Benoit Blanc

Daniel Craig reprises his iconic role as Benoit Blanc, the brilliant and whimsical detective who unravels the most impossible crimes. In Wake Up Dead Man, Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible murder at a small-town church. Craig’s return brings continuity and star power to the third installment of Rian Johnson’s acclaimed mystery franchise.

The British actor has become synonymous with Benoit Blanc, delivering the character’s sophisticated Southern drawl and masterful deductive reasoning. His chemistry with new cast members elevates the ensemble, making each scene a battle of wits and hidden motives. The role allows Craig complete creative freedom to explore darker, more complex narrative layers.

Star-Studded Ensemble Brings Fresh Dynamics

The supporting cast of Wake Up Dead Man represents an impressive collection of Hollywood talent. Glenn Close plays Martha Delacroix, bringing gravitas and sophistication to the mystery. Josh Brolin takes on the role of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, adding another major Hollywood name to the growing suspect list.

Josh O’Connor stars as Reverend Jud Duplenticy, the earnest young priest who partners with Blanc. Additional cast members include Mila Kunis as Chief Geraldine Scott, Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp, Kerry Washington as Vera Draven, Andrew Scott as Lee Ross, and Cailee Spaeny in a key role. Daryl McCormack rounds out the ensemble cast.

Actor	Character
Daniel Craig	Benoit Blanc
Josh O’Connor	Rev. Jud Duplenticy
Glenn Close	Martha Delacroix
Josh Brolin	Msgr. Jefferson Wicks
Mila Kunis	Chief Geraldine Scott
Jeremy Renner	Dr. Nat Sharp
Kerry Washington	Vera Draven
Andrew Scott	Lee Ross

A Church Setting Creates Perfect Murder Mystery Atmosphere

The third Knives Out film takes place at a small-town church, departing from the wealthy estate of the first film and the private island of the second. Wake Up Dead Man centers on a seemingly impossible crime within consecrated walls, combining detective work with theological mystery. The church setting adds deeper symbolic weight and explores themes of faith, confession, and hidden sins.

Rian Johnson crafts an intricate whodunit where every character has motive and opportunity. The confined setting of a church amplifies tension while raising stakes for each suspect. Benoit Blanc must navigate both the mystery itself and the deeply personal connections binding the community together. The film explores how faith and morality complicate the search for truth.

Netflix Releases First Knives Out Theatrical Release

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery arrived on Netflix December 12, 2025, after a limited theatrical release on November 26, 2025. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, and the BFI London Film Festival on October 8, 2025. This marks the first time a Knives Out film reaches theaters before Netflix streaming.

Netflix released the film at 12:00 AM Pacific Time and 3:00 AM Eastern Time on December 12. The streaming platform’s involvement brings unprecedented reach for Rian Johnson’s franchise, making the film immediately accessible to millions globally. The strategic release timing maximizes viewership while maintaining theatrical momentum.

“This was the shortest jackpot run since opening our doors.”

— Netflix Officials, on the service’s streaming success

Will Rian Johnson Create a Fourth Knives Out Mystery?

Rian Johnson revealed on November 18, 2025 that he and Daniel Craig are “starting to formulate ideas” for a potential fourth Knives Out film. With the continued success and acclaimed cast of Wake Up Dead Man, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Fans eagerly await news of whether Benoit Blanc will investigate another impossible mystery.

The chemistry between Johnson and Craig suggests another collaboration is more likely than unlikely. Each Knives Out film has successfully pushed the mystery genre forward while maintaining the franchise’s signature wit and intricate plotting. Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and the entire Wake Up Dead Man cast have proven that assembling A-list talent for these complex murders remains creatively and commercially viable.

Sources

• Netflix TUDUM – Official cast guide and release information
• IMDb – Complete cast and character details
• USA Today – Netflix release date and streaming times