With the remarkable success of Knives Out in 2019, Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc brought fresh life to the classic “whodunit” genre, engaging audiences worldwide and securing a strong fanbase. The film, directed by Rian Johnson, proved that even smaller-scale movies could still achieve significant success if armed with an engaging storyline and stellar cast.
Now, as Craig and his castmates anticipate the third installment in the series, fans and creators alike are hoping for a longer theatrical run, moving away from Netflix’s current strategy of limited cinema exposure before transitioning to streaming. In Knives Out 3, Craig’s vision is clear: let audiences experience the thrill of the mystery on the big screen.
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Revitalizing the Whodunit Genre
When Knives Out debuted in theaters, it became an unexpected hit in a world dominated by big-budget superhero blockbusters and high-stakes sci-fi adventures. The film carved out its place with a refreshing approach, reviving a genre that had largely been relegated to television series and indie films. Johnson’s Knives Out delivered not only the classic appeal of a murder mystery but also modern twists, wry humor, and an all-star cast led by Daniel Craig, who gave a memorable performance as detective Benoit Blanc.
Audiences responded eagerly to the film, which cleverly incorporated social commentary on wealth, privilege, and family dynamics. And while the film didn’t achieve the record-breaking numbers of larger franchises, it earned respectable returns for a modestly budgeted production. Given this enthusiastic reception, it wasn’t surprising when Netflix decided to capitalize on its success, buying the rights to potential sequels and bringing the story from the big screen to home theaters.
The Streaming Strategy: A Double-Edged Sword
The decision to transition Knives Out sequels to Netflix came at a time when streaming services were increasingly investing in high-profile acquisitions. The second film in the series, Glass Onion, was released in 2022 with an unconventional approach: it was shown in theaters for only one week before heading to Netflix. This strategy allowed Netflix to offer a limited-time cinematic experience while drawing audiences to its platform shortly after.
However, this short theatrical run disappointed fans who enjoyed the communal experience of watching the mystery unfold in theaters. Although streaming made Glass Onion accessible to a broader audience, it also diminished its presence as a theatrical event, limiting its impact on the box office. This decision sparked debates among fans and industry experts alike, raising questions about whether limited theater releases ultimately serve or undermine a film’s potential to make a cultural mark.
For Craig, the Netflix model presented a dilemma. Despite his commitment to the franchise and enthusiasm for the films, he believes the ideal way to enjoy a Knives Out movie is in a theater. Speaking candidly about his hopes for Knives Out 3, Craig expressed his desire to see the film get a longer theater run, allowing fans to share in the excitement in a cinematic setting. “The people I speak to… all they want to do is take their families and go see it at the cinemas,” Craig explained. This sentiment aligns with the resurgence in audience desire to return to theaters post-pandemic, and he hopes that Knives Out 3 can meet that demand.
Anticipating “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
The third film, titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, was officially announced in May 2024, and anticipation has only grown since. The title hints at darker themes than its predecessors, promising a thrilling and potentially high-stakes mystery for Benoit Blanc to unravel. Alongside Daniel Craig, a diverse and talented cast has been confirmed, including stars like Josh O’Connor, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Glenn Close, and Josh Brolin. Such an impressive lineup ensures that the film will deliver the same star-studded allure that has become a hallmark of the series.
While details on the plot remain scarce, the teaser trailer hints at an even more complex mystery for Blanc to solve. In the trailer, Craig’s character ominously declares, “In the beginning, the knives came out. Then, behold, the glass was shattered. But my most dangerous case yet is about to be revealed.” This statement suggests a high-stakes puzzle that may test Blanc’s skills in ways unseen in the first two films. Fans speculate that Wake Up Dead Man could bring darker elements to the fore, possibly involving deeper secrets and more perilous twists.
Though Netflix is yet to confirm an exact release date, it is widely speculated that Wake Up Dead Man will arrive at the end of 2025, aligning with the release windows of its predecessors. This timing allows the film to benefit from the heightened holiday viewership, though fans are hoping that this strategic placement won’t compromise its time in theaters.
The Changing Landscape of Cinema and Streaming
Craig’s request for a longer theatrical run taps into a larger discussion on the future of film distribution. With streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ continually altering traditional release models, the question of how best to balance theaters and streaming has become more pressing. While streaming provides convenience and accessibility, there’s a certain allure and impact to watching a film on the big screen — especially for a genre like the whodunit, where each reveal and twist can resonate more powerfully in a communal, immersive setting.
Moreover, a longer theater run could positively impact the film’s cultural impact and financial returns. Some industry insiders argue that Netflix’s habit of minimizing theater time may detract from a film’s “event” status, affecting everything from award season buzz to audience retention on streaming platforms. A longer run would not only attract Knives Out fans to theaters but could also entice new viewers who might be more inclined to watch if they hear about its success as a cinematic experience.
With Wake Up Dead Man, Netflix has an opportunity to test a new approach to distribution. If the company were to expand the theatrical window, it could set a precedent that balances streaming accessibility with the tradition of movie-going. Such a change could satisfy fans of the Knives Out series while also positioning Netflix as a studio willing to experiment with hybrid models that respect the power of the theatrical experience.
