Rian Johnson's latest Knives Out installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, arrives on Netflix on December 13 after a successful festival run and brief theatrical release. The film features detective Benoit Blanc investigating an impossible crime at a small-town church. It joins a lineup of new Netflix content for the week of December 8-14.
Overview
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the newest entry in Rian Johnson's acclaimed mystery franchise, centering on detective Benoit Blanc. In this installment, Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to unravel a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church shrouded in dark history. The movie has garnered glowing reviews during its festival circuit appearances and short theatrical run, building anticipation for its streaming debut.
Release Details
Scheduled for Netflix release on December 13, 2025, the film marks a significant addition to the platform's December lineup. This follows the pattern of previous Knives Out mysteries, which blended sharp wit, intricate plots, and star-studded casts. While specific cast details beyond Blanc's return are not highlighted in recent announcements, the project's festival buzz underscores its critical appeal.
Context in Netflix's Weekly Lineup
This release coincides with other notable Netflix additions for the week of December 8-14, including the family special Elmo and Mark Rober’s Merry Giftmas on December 8, all seven seasons of The West Wing on December 9, and the docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act on December 10. Wake Up Dead Man stands out as a major cinematic event amid holiday-themed and dramatic content.
The film's arrival offers viewers a chance to dive into another layer of Johnson's storytelling, known for its clever twists and social commentary. No spoilers are revealed in previews, preserving the mystery for audiences.