Daniel Craig's Latest Knives Out Film to Premiere at London Festival

In a highly anticipated announcement, the latest installment of the Knives Out film series, titled *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*, will open the 2025 London Film Festival, marking a significant moment in cinematic events scheduled for October 8-19, 2025. Directed by Rian Johnson, this third film features the return of Daniel Craig in his acclaimed role as the eccentric private investigator Benoit Blanc. Joining him in the cast are notable actors Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Mila Kunis, each bringing their unique talents to the ensemble.

Rian Johnson, who has crafted the screenplay for this new chapter, has stated that the film aims to explore new thematic and tonal directions. In a 2023 interview, Johnson noted, “The goal is to strike out in a completely new direction tonally and thematically,” suggesting that viewers can expect a fresh narrative experience compared to the previous installments. Although plot details remain largely under wraps, preliminary reports indicate that both O’Connor and Brolin may portray priests, adding a layer of intrigue to the film's storyline.

The title, *Wake Up Dead Man*, is a nod to pop culture, referencing a song by the band U2, paralleling the previous film’s title, *Glass Onion*, which referenced The Beatles. This thematic connection enhances the series' reputation for intertwining contemporary music with its storytelling.

Financially, Craig's commitment to the Knives Out franchise has proven lucrative. Reports suggest that he received around $100 million for his roles in *Glass Onion* and *Wake Up Dead Man*, with Netflix reportedly investing $450 million for the rights to both films, indicating the high stakes associated with this franchise.

The film's development faced delays due to the writers’ strike in 2023, but production resumed, and filming took place in the UK during the summer of 2024. The London Film Festival screening is particularly notable as it is labeled an “international” premiere, implying that a world premiere in North America is anticipated at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2025.

With its combination of star power, innovative storytelling, and strategic release, *Wake Up Dead Man* is poised not only to capture the interest of film enthusiasts but also to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding contemporary murder mysteries in cinema. As the festival approaches, industry analysts will be closely monitoring audience reactions and critical reception, which could influence the film's performance in subsequent box offices worldwide.

In summary, *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* stands as a testament to the evolving nature of film within the mystery genre, promising to deliver both suspense and entertainment while maintaining its roots in classic storytelling traditions.