Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has hit screens and streaming platforms, bringing back detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) for another eerie, twist‑filled whodunit. With a star‑studded cast, intriguing gothic mystery vibes, and strong early reviews, fans of detective stories are already buzzing. Here’s a breakdown of the cast, an honest review, and key IMDb details you should know.

Full Cast — Who’s in Wake Up Dead Man?

The mystery thriller brings together a large ensemble of established stars and fan favorites. Main cast members include: 

  • Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc – the Southern detective back with wit and sharp deduction. 

  • Josh O’Connor as Father Jud Duplenticy – an earnest young priest whose insight shapes much of the investigation. 

  • Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix, a devout church figure. 

  • Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, the central figure whose shocking death triggers the mystery. 

  • Mila Kunis as Chief Geraldine Scott – the local law enforcer. 

  • Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church also round out the ensemble cast. 

This diverse mix gives the movie both star power and depth, with a blend of dramatic and quirky performances that drive the story forward.

Wake Up Dead Man: Honest Review

Critics and audiences alike are responding positively: many call Wake Up Dead Man one of the strongest entries in the Knives Out franchise yet. 

What’s Working:

  • Atmosphere and Tone: The film leans into a darker, more gothic mystery than its predecessors, blending suspense with thoughtful character moments. 

  • Performances: Daniel Craig once again anchors the story as Blanc, while Josh O’Connor’s Father Jud is frequently highlighted as a standout emotional core. 

  • Story & Themes: The central murder — occurring within a secluded church community — gives the plot a unique backdrop, combining classic locked‑room mystery elements with deeper reflections on faith, identity, and community tension. 

  • Balanced Humor: While darker than earlier installments, the movie still incorporates clever humor and sharp dialogue typical of the Knives Out style. 

Minor Criticisms:

  • Some reviewers note that with such a large cast, a few characters don’t get as much screen time or development as others. 

Overall reception: Early reads suggest this third entry deepens the franchise’s range — combining intense mystery with emotional storytelling — and is drawing strong interest ahead of its wide release. 

IMDb & Rating Info

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery appears on IMDb with listings confirming its cast, release timeline, and story details: 

  • IMDb Release Info: Premiered in limited theaters on Nov 26, 2025, before streaming worldwide on Netflix from Dec 12, 2025. 

  • IMDb Cast Data: Features Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, and more. 

  • User Praise: Early IMDb user reviews praise the mystery and performances, noting the mix of suspense and wit that keeps audiences engaged. 

Check the IMDb page for up‑to‑date ratings, reviews, and full cast details. 

Where to Watch

The film had a limited theatrical run to qualify for awards considerations, then streams exclusively on Netflix starting December 12, 2025 — making it widely accessible for mystery lovers and franchise fans.