Rian Johnson stands as one of the most thrilling filmmakers in the industry today, exhibiting his directorial prowess on the popular series "Breaking Bad" and storming the world with his epic storytelling in "Looper." However, it's his whodunit film "Knives Out" that has solidified his position as a household name, receiving both critical and commercial acclaim. Its sequel, "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," echoed the same response. Now, with his third film, "Wake Up Dead Man," Johnson is back, ready to enthrall audiences with a story filled with twists and a brutal crime.
One of the primary reasons for the franchise's success is Johnson's ability to rope in major Hollywood stars. Although he's unsure about the future of the franchise, he's not afraid to name one actor he'd love to see in future "Knives Out" mysteries. Speaking to IndieWire about the latest installment, the 51-year-old filmmaker expressed his desire to work with Meryl Streep in a murder-mystery setup. "There are so many great actors I'd like to work with," he said. "But, yes, if you're reading this, Meryl Streep, I feel like you'd slot into a murder mystery very well."
Streep is one of the few actors who can play virtually any character, and her film career is a testament to that skill. It would be fascinating to see an iconic name like hers be a part of this franchise that boasts an amazing lineup of stars. The first film had actors like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jennifer Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, Christopher Plummer, and more in pivotal roles. Meanwhile, the second movie included stars like Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Dave Bautista, and Madelyn Cline. The third film is no different, with actors like Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, and Jeffrey Wright in significant roles. So, it wouldn't be a surprise if Meryl Streep joins the cast of the next "Knives Out" film if it gets greenlit.
"Wake Up Dead Man" sees Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) finding himself in a precarious situation after taking on a new case involving a priest named Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Brolin). Things take a wild turn when an unexpected death shakes up his entire congregation, and Blanc is forced to solve another murder mystery. As the case progresses, the detective unravels a web of secrets that would be crucial in solving the crime. The film had its world premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival and garnered near-universal acclaim. It currently holds a rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, right behind the first film in the franchise which has a 97% rating.
"Wake Up Dead Man" is scheduled to release in select theaters on November 26th, 2025, and will be available for streaming worldwide on Netflix on December 12th.
