“Oh Death, I beg you, grant me just one more year,” laments the soulful voice of a Southern singer echoing in the original trailer for Rian Johnson’s highly anticipated third installment in the Benoit Blanc series, Wake Up Ineffective Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Fortunately, fans may not have to wait another full year for Johnson’s next captivating whodunit, as the film is scheduled to premiere on Netflix later in 2025.
Nearly a year after Rian Johnson first revealed a glimpse of Daniel Craig’s new portrayal as Detective Benoit Blanc, there is finally more insight into Wake Up Ineffective Man, the third chapter in the acclaimed Knives Out mystery saga. During Tudum 2025: The Live Event in Los Angeles, Netflix unveiled fresh teaser trailers and confirmed release dates for some of its most anticipated productions. Among these, Wake Up Ineffective Man stood out with a striking new teaser that hints at a darker, more intense tone than the previous films. Gone are the witty R-rated quips and scenic escapades; instead, the film seems to embrace a Southern Gothic aesthetic-complete with church bells, thunderstorms, and haunting blues melodies-transforming the familiar whodunit into a genuine thriller set in the Appalachian region. The teaser features Benoit Blanc, standing in a sunlit church, narrating: “The impossible crime,” he says, “is like the Holy Grail for a man of reason.” The atmosphere suggests a shift towards a more atmospheric, suspense-driven narrative.
You won’t need to be a master detective to piece together what’s coming in the next Knives Out film. Here’s everything we currently know about Wake Up Ineffective Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
Release Date: When Will Wake Up Ineffective Man Be Available on Netflix?
During Tudum, Netflix officially announced that Wake Up Ineffective Man: A Knives Out Mystery will debut on its streaming platform on December 12, 2025. This gives fans an early holiday gift, making it a perfect Christmas surprise for mystery enthusiasts eager to see Blanc’s latest adventure.
Main Cast and Characters
At Tudum 2025, Rian Johnson and Netflix revealed the full main cast list for Wake Up Ineffective Man. While the specific roles remain under wraps, Daniel Craig is confirmed to reprise his role as Benoit Blanc. The ensemble cast includes:
- Daniel Craig
- Josh O’Connor
- Glenn Shut
- Josh Brolin
- Mila Kunis
- Jeremy Renner
- Kerry Washington
- Andrew Scott
- Cailee Spaeny
- Daryl McCormack
- Thomas Haden Church
Throughout the production of the Knives Out series, Rian Johnson has likened casting to hosting a dinner party. “We’ve been fortunate to assemble some of the most talented actors in the world, and that’s very much the case here,” Johnson shared with Tudum. “They’re also wonderful people who get along well, which adds to the convivial atmosphere-like a true dinner gathering. When creating an ensemble film, chemistry among cast members is essential.”
The first official image of Daniel Craig in Wake Up Ineffective Man: A Knives Out Mystery, shared by writer-director Rian Johnson in June 2024.
Plot Overview: What Is the Story of Wake Up Ineffective Man?
Netflix has yet to release an official synopsis, but based on teasers and cast clues, speculation is rife. Could Andrew Scott’s character be the culprit? Or is he a red herring? Meanwhile, Josh O’Connor appears dressed as a priest, standing in the rain, seemingly threatening violence against an unseen victim. Benoit Blanc’s narration hints at a complex murder mystery: “This was dressed as a miracle,” he says, “but it’s just a murder. And I solve murders.” The film promises to deliver a compelling blend of suspense, dark humor, and regional atmosphere, elevating the classic whodunit into a gripping thriller set amidst the moody landscapes of Appalachia.
