Daniel Craig Debuts as Detective Blanc in ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ at TIFF Premiere

- Rian Johnson’s third ‘Knives Out’ mystery draws star-studded crowd at Toronto festival

Lead Daniel Craig reprised his role as detective Benoit Blanc last night at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, unveiling a darker, church‐set whodunit before an enthusiastic audience.

Nut Graf Writer‐director Rian Johnson closed his acclaimed trilogy with this gothic chapter, transporting Blanc from cozy mansions and seaside villas to a rural New York parish. The premiere underscores TIFF’s ongoing role in launching major franchise installments and highlights Netflix’s high‐stakes deal for the series.

Main Part Rian Johnson described this third film as “leaning toward a more gothic style” with deeper existential themes, while retaining the franchise’s signature wit. Set in a quaint church, the story follows Blanc as he investigates a murder entwined with faith, deception, and grace.

Craig, dressed sharply as the astute Southern sleuth, told Reuters that each installment aims for distinct tones: “First one was cozy, the second a vacation mystery; this one is darker, yet still fun,” he said on the TIFF red carpet. He praised Johnson’s evolving vision and the ensemble cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church, and Cailee Spaeny.

O’Connor, portraying a young priest, confessed TIFF felt like “home”-all three films have premiered at the festival-and described working under Monsignor Wicks (Brolin) as a “remarkable creative challenge.” Close lauded the “sense of camaraderie,” while Spaeny revealed she learned to play cello for her role as a church musician.

Netflix’s franchise agreement, reportedly worth $400 million, ensures theatrical windows before streaming. Wake Up Dead Man will open in select cinemas November 26, followed by Netflix streaming December 12.

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