What is the next Knives Out movie
The next Knives Out movie is the sequel titled Wake Up Dead Man, a whodunit ensemble returning to the closed-circle mystery format. As of now, the film is fully shot, in post-production, and has a scheduled release date of December 25, 2025. Directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Johnson and Ram Bergman, the sequel reunites Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc alongside many of the original ensemble. The story centers on a new, high-stakes mystery set among a group of suspects brought together under tense circumstances, promising the signature twisty plotting and sharp dialogue of the prior entries.
Confirmed cast and key returns
The core cast returns for the next Knives Out movie, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as Benoit Blanc. Josh Brolin, Ana de Armas, Jeremy Renner, Rene Russo, Michael Shannon, and Don Johnson are also confirmed to appear. New additions include Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, and Janelle Monáe, expanding the ensemble while preserving the chemistry that defined the first film. Expect Blanc to deploy his signature skepticism and wit as he interrogates a fresh circle of suspects with hidden connections.
Ensemble dynamics and new faces
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc — the relentless, charismatic sleuth.
- Josh Brolin and Ana de Armas — returning in key roles with elevated stakes.
- Cailee Spaeny and Andrew Scott — new cast members integrated into the mystery.
- Janelle Monáe — joining the ensemble with a role central to the plot’s turns.
Director and production status
Rian Johnson returns as director and writer for the next Knives Out movie, following the structure and tone that made the first film a modern whodunit classic. The movie was filmed in the United Kingdom and wrapped in late 2024. Current production updates indicate the film is in the editing and scoring phase, with visual effects and sound design progressing on schedule. Johnson has emphasized a focus on tight plotting and cohesive character work, ensuring the sequel feels both familiar and surprising.
Production timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | Principal photography concluded | Shooting wrapped, moving into post. |
| Mid 2025 | Post-production (editing, score, VFX) | Polish and assemble the final cut. |
| December 25, 2025 | Scheduled theatrical release | Wide rollout for the holiday audience. |
Story premise and what to expect
While plot details remain tightly guarded, the next Knives Out movie is described as a new closed-circle mystery in the vein of the first film. Expect a layered puzzle involving intersecting motives, red herrings, and a confined set of suspects where everyone has something to hide. Rian Johnson has indicated the story will balance wit and tension, with Blanc once again turning assumptions on their head. The title Wake Up Dead Man hints at a race-against-the-clock element and stakes that feel immediate, without revealing the specific mechanism of the crime.
Tone, themes, and style
- Snappy, dialogue-driven humor with bite.
- Class and privilege under scrutiny within a closed circle.
- Visually polished production design reflecting wealth and tension.
- Morally gray characters with contradictory loyalties.
Release, distribution, and how to watch
The next Knives Out movie will open theatrically on December 25, 2025, through Lionsgate. A wide marketing push is expected ahead of the holiday window, with a premium VOD window following several weeks after theatrical. Streaming rights for the prior films vary by region, but the sequel will initially be a theatrical event; streaming availability will be determined post-release based on performance and licensing. International rollout plans are typical for major studio event films, with key markets receiving prints close to the U.S. date.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the next movie a direct sequel? Yes, it continues the world of the first two films with returning characters and a new mystery.
- Will there be another standalone spin-off? No current plans for additional side stories beyond the announced sequel.
- Can I expect the same structure as the first film? Expect a similar ensemble-driven whodunit structure, though each story will have its own setup and twists.
- Are there plans for more movies after this one? Discussions about further entries remain speculative; this sequel is the immediate next installment.
Wrap-up and final context
The next Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man, is positioned as a continuation of the modern whodunit tradition established by its predecessors. With Rian Johnson at the helm, a largely returning cast, and a tightly scoped mystery set among the wealthy and connected, it aims to satisfy fans while presenting new challenges for Blanc. Given its firm release date and advanced production stage, the sequel represents a high-confidence follow-up to the acclaimed originals, and one to watch during the 2025 holiday season.