Filmmaker Rian Johnson is coming back with the third part of his “Knives Out” series, titled “Wake Up Dead Man,” set to be released this year. In a recent chat with Rolling Stone, Johnson gave fans a sneak peek into what they might find in the upcoming movie featuring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc.
This new version has a significantly Gothic and earthbound feel. It’s quite like the original in this aspect.
According to Johnson’s account, the upcoming movie will delve into the origins of Gothic literature, setting its mood ahead of Agatha Christie’s works. In contrast, for the third installment, inspiration will be drawn from another significant author in the genre. Here is what Johnson shared about the tone and style of Knives Out 3.
What Rian Johnson’s Grounded Gothic Tease Means For Wake Up Dead Man

In the third part of Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” series titled “Wake Up Dead Man“, Daniel Craig reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc, delving into another intriguing murder case. While keeping the mystery element, Rian Johnson has hinted that this story will have a more realistic and eerie atmosphere compared to its predecessors.
As a cinephile, I found myself drawn to this film’s roots in the classic mystery genre. Interestingly, it seems to harken back to the early beginnings of the form, well before Agatha Christie, and appears to have ties to the pioneering works of Edgar Allan Poe.
Johnson revealed to Rolling Stone that the upcoming mystery is likely to take inspiration from the dark, atmospheric style of Edgar Allan Poe’s works.
As an ardent fan, I’m well-acquainted with the fact that this esteemed American writer is often hailed as a towering influence in the realm of Gothic literature. Yet, it’s intriguing to note that Poe wasn’t confined to just that genre; he delved into romanticism and satire as well. This diverse literary journey of his leads me to speculate that the third Knives Out movie, as per Johnson’s insights, might take a darker, more grounded turn compared to its predecessors.
As a devoted fan, I eagerly anticipate that Johnson will skillfully blend satire and dark humor in his work, maintaining the signature balance that’s become synonymous with this beloved franchise. Thus, Wake Up Dead Man appears to be an enticing offering for enthusiasts of Gothic literature and Edgar Allan Poe admirers, seasoned with a touch of satire.
Rian Johnson Confirms Our Suspicion About Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc in Knives Out 3
In the upcoming third part, Daniel Craig will once again play the detective, Benoit Blanc. Instead of being the main focus, as was hinted at in the previous films, Blanc will tackle a brand-new mystery.

As a fan, I found myself deeply engaged with Ana de Armas’ character Marta Cabrera in Knives Out. However, in the second installment, we primarily followed Helen Brand. This led me to speculate that the third installment might focus on a brand new character altogether.
In the interview, Johnson admitted to facing challenges when it came to building emotional tension around the detective character portrayed by Craig, as he put it.
You have to care about a character getting or not getting what they want.
As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but draw parallels between the enigmatic figure played by Daniel Craig in “The Last Jedi” and the terrifying shark from “Jaws”. The director himself likened Craig’s character to a divine entity within the film, suggesting an almost godlike presence that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.
Wake Up Dead Man is slated to be released on December 12, 2025, on Netflix.
Pratik Handore
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Pratik serves as a writer for TopMob, boasting five years in content creation. While his academic background is in Hospitality, he found his passion in pop culture and now pens articles spanning an array of subjects from fresh streaming releases to obscure movie facts. When not engrossed in writing, you’ll likely find him immersed in manga or rewatching classic television shows.
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2025-07-15 23:23