Anna Daniels
Netflix is breaking the trend of cost-saving by investing a whopping $210 million in the production of the upcoming film in the Knives Out series. The third installment is setting a new record as the most expensive whodunit film ever made. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this substantial budget is a bold move or a risky venture.
Director Rian Johnson has breathed new life into the murder mystery genre with the Knives Out series, blending classic elements with a modern narrative style. The original film, released in 2019, exceeded expectations by grossing over $300 million. Following its success, the sequel, Glass Onion, was acquired by Netflix for $450 million and was well-received upon its 2022 release. This positive reception paved the way for the highly anticipated third chapter in the series.
The star-studded cast of ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ is another compelling aspect, with Daniel Craig returning as the enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc, alongside renowned actors like Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, and Kerry Washington. This ensemble, coupled with the film’s massive budget, indicates Netflix’s commitment to making this film a standout release in 2025.
However, the pivotal question lingers: will this investment pay off? While Glass Onion received critical acclaim and made its way onto numerous top 10 lists, the success of Knives Out 3 remains unknown. Its ability to captivate audiences once again and justify its substantial budget remains to be seen.
With plot details still under wraps and a probable premiere at TIFF in the fall of 2025, excitement is already building among fans. The evolution of Benoit Blanc’s narrative, especially with Daniel Craig’s new appearance featuring long hair in the initial teaser image, has left fans eager for more.
As Netflix faces the challenges of a competitive streaming landscape, ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ is more than just a film; it is a test of whether high-budget productions are sustainable in the streaming era. Whether it emerges as a stroke of genius or a misstep, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on this release.
