Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will make its international premiere as the opening film of the 69th BFI London Film Festival, running from October 8 to 19.
It marks a return to the festival for Johnson’s murder mystery franchise after the original 2019 movie played in a gala screening at the 63rd edition in 2019, and the second instalment Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery closed the 66th edition in 2022.
“We’re honoured to be opening the BFI London Film Festival with Wake Up Dead Man. London is the birthplace of the golden age of detective fiction and it’s a thrill to be back!,” said Johnson.
The third movie in the franchise sees Daniel Craig return in his role of famed private detective Benoit Blanc to solve his most dangerous case yet in as-yet-undisclosed setting.
The ensemble cast includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival Director said the presence of UK stars Craig and O’Connor in the cast made Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery a fitting opening film.
“Led by Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor, the film features incredible British and international talent on and off screen who bring a sense of play and verve to the screen, to craft a film that twists, turns and will keep audiences guessing to the final frame. The third of the brilliant Knives Out films we have presented at the LFF, we are delighted to reunite for our special Opening Night,” she said.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery releases on Netflix on December 12, 2025.