Rian Johnsons Third Knives Out Film Premieres to Acclaim at TIFF

Rian Johnson’s third Benoit Blanc mystery, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," premiered to strong acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, marking the completion of his two-sequel deal with Netflix and sparking discussions about a potential fourth installment in the whodunit series.

The film, written and directed by Johnson, follows private detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, as he investigates a baffling murder in a small parish community. The story centers on the death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, portrayed by Josh Brolin, amid a tight-knit group that includes a young priest (Josh O’Connor), a church volunteer (Glenn Close), a groundskeeper (Thomas Haden Church), a lawyer (Kerry Washington), an aspiring politician (Daryl McCormack), a town doctor (Jeremy Renner), an author (Andrew Scott), a cellist (Cailee Spaeny), and the local police chief (Mila Kunis). Johnson drew from personal themes to ground the narrative, exploring faith in contemporary America while maintaining the series’ signature blend of suspense and ensemble intrigue. The production reunites Johnson with key collaborators, including producer Ram Bergman,...