Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the highly anticipated third installment in the Knives Out series directed by Rian Johnson, has been scheduled for a US theatrical release prior to its Netflix streaming premiere. This marks a strategic approach combining cinema exposure with digital accessibility.
The film will launch in select theaters across the United States on November 26, 2025, for a limited two-week run, before becoming available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12, 2025. This dual release strategy reflects the evolving distribution models amidst the streaming era and aims to reach both traditional moviegoers and home audiences. Industry sources confirm this marks the first time a Knives Out sequel will have a dedicated theatrical window in the US, underscoring confidence in the film’s broad appeal and box-office potential.
Wake Up Dead Man continues the narrative of master detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, as he tackles a new complex mystery. The film reunites a star-studded ensemble cast including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. The presence of multiple high-profile actors further positions the film for widespread audience interest across diverse demographics.
Director Rian Johnson returns to helm this standalone sequel following 2022’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The film is set to premiere globally at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, positioning it within the festival circuit for early critical exposure. Its international production involved filming in London, indicating an expanded scope of setting and story that complements the franchise’s evolving narrative landscape.
This release plan highlights Netflix’s hybrid distribution approach, leveraging both theatrical presence and home streaming. According to informed industry insiders, this move is designed to maximize market penetration and capitalize on the franchise’s established fanbase, ensuring that Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery receives broad visibility and commercial impact across multiple viewing platforms in late 2025.