Summary
The title ofKnives Out 3has finally been revealed asWake Up Dead Man.Netflix released an announcement trailer on Friday, July 16, 2025, that provided little details on theupcomingKnives Out 3movieother than the reveal of the title. Daniel Craig will once again return as thecharismatic protagonist Benoit Blancas part of Rian Johnson’s two-sequel deal with Netflix following 2020’sKnives Outfollow-upGlass Onion.
Johnson took to X (Twitter) toannounce the start of production onKnives Out 3before the release of the title trailer on Friday. He wrote, “We’re about to go into production on the 3rd one, and I’m very, very excited to share the title, which gives a little hint of where it’s going.” The teaser briefly recapped the previous two installments before a black coffin twirls into frame and the titleWake Up Dead Manis revealed, leaving viewers to wonder what the title could possibly mean.
The title shares the name of a U2 song
While as of May 2024 the meaning ofWake Up Dead Man’stitle is limited to speculation, it does appear to be a reference to a popular song of the same name by the internationally known rock band U2. Commonly regarded as one of the band’s most controversial and off-kilter songs due to its stark religious subject matter,“Wake Up Dead Man” was the final song on the band’s 1997 album titledPop. In it, U2’s lead vocalist Bono sings to Jesus Christ and essentially asks for guidance and direction.
The only other major clue offered in the brief title announcement trailer is the aforementioned twirling black coffin, which is a pretty clear indication that the film is centered around someone’s death, as per usual. The deceased is likely a man and should kick off the ensuing murder mystery that requires the immediate attention and investigative intuitions of Craig’s Benoit Blanc. If the reference is based on the U2 song, then there could be some religious themes inWake Up Dead Man, orthe deceased man could be seen as a larger-than-life figure whose absence leaves the rest of the cast astray.
Knives Out 3 Wishlist: 6 Things We Want To See In The Sequel
While Daniel Craig’s Detective Blanc is due to return for yet another murder mystery, Knives Out 3 has the perfect opportunity to switch things up.
Is Knives Out 3 About Someone Returning From The Dead?
Other characters might try to bring the deceased back to life
Another fun possible implication ofWake Up Dead Manisthe addition of supernatural or even horror themes in theKnives Outfranchise. The death of a powerful or otherwise significant man could send shockwaves through the lives of a certain group of people who collectively have vested interests in keeping him alive. There could be some type of elaborate twist that the dead man isn’t actually dead or is somehow brought back to life. These concepts, mixed with the religious themes of the U2 song, already set an intriguing premise forKnives Out 3based on the title alone.
Upcoming Murder Mystery With 3 Huge Actors Is The Perfect Movie Rival For Knives Out 3
Knives Out 3 is in production, hoping to film in 2024. The murder mystery sequel could have competition from a similar film with a stacked cast.
