In a world where streaming platforms are tightening their belts, Netflix is doing the opposite with its upcoming film, . This third installment in the Knives Out series is reportedly being produced with a staggering $210 million budget—five times more than the original film. But is this hefty price tag a sign of confidence or a risky gamble?
Directed by Rian Johnson, the Knives Out series has been a breath of fresh air in the murder mystery genre, blending traditional whodunit elements with modern storytelling. The first film, released in 2019, became an unexpected hit, earning over $300 million at the box office. Its sequel, Glass Onion, debuted on Netflix in 2022 after the platform acquired the rights to two sequels for a whopping $450 million. The sequel was well-received, and its success set the stage for this third, and potentially final, chapter in the series.
The star-studded cast for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is impressive, featuring Daniel Craig reprising his role as the enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc, joined by Hollywood heavyweights like Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, and Kerry Washington. This lineup, combined with the film's enormous budget, suggests that Netflix is pulling out all the stops to make this one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
However, the big question remains: Will it pay off? While Glass Onion received critical acclaim and appeared on over 190 critics' top 10 lists, it remains to be seen whether Knives Out 3 can recapture the magic or if it will buckle under the weight of expectations and its bloated budget.
With no plot details yet revealed and a likely premiere at TIFF in the fall of 2025, anticipation is already building. Fans are eager to see how Benoit Blanc's story evolves—especially with Daniel Craig's new look, sporting long hair in the first teaser image.
As Netflix continues to navigate the challenges of a highly competitive streaming market, Wake Up Dead Man is more than just another film; it's a litmus test for the sustainability of blockbuster budgets in the streaming era. Whether it turns out to be a masterstroke or a misstep, one thing is certain: everyone will be watching.
