The Wake Up Dead Man cast brings together one of the strongest ensembles of 2025 in Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out installment, now streaming worldwide on Netflix. Daniel Craig returns as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, surrounded by an electric mix of Oscar winners, rising stars, and fan favorites in this snowy church-set whodunit that critics call the sharpest chapter yet.
Fans have been dissecting every frame since the movie arrived on the platform December 12, 2025, after a limited theatrical run that began November 26. The all-star lineup delivers twists, laughs, and chills in equal measure.
Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc Craig slides back into the world’s greatest detective with total confidence. Blanc finds himself in upstate New York investigating an impossible murder inside a locked church during a blizzard. This time the case hits closer to home, forcing the usually unflappable sleuth to question his own beliefs.
Josh O’Connor as Father Jud Duplenticy The Challengers and Crown star plays a young priest with a violent past who teams up with Blanc. O’Connor brings quiet strength and genuine warmth to Jud, a former boxer trying to save a dying parish while wrestling with his own demons.
Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks Brolin explodes onto the screen as the charismatic, controlling leader of Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude. Part preacher, part cult leader, Wicks rules through fear and loyalty until someone silences him forever.
Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix Close commands every scene as the church’s fiercely devoted administrator. Martha has spent decades protecting the institution and its secrets, making her both ally and potential threat in Blanc’s investigation.
Mila Kunis as Police Chief Geraldine Scott Kunis steps into serious dramatic territory as the tough, no-nonsense local chief who resents federal interference. Her crackling tension with Blanc provides some of the film’s best verbal sparring.
Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp Renner delivers a raw, heartbreaking performance as the town’s broken doctor drowning in regret and whiskey. His connection to multiple suspects puts him squarely in Blanc’s crosshairs.
Kerry Washington as Vera Draven Washington plays a brilliant attorney trapped in her small-town family practice. Vera knows everyone’s secrets, including some that could destroy the church she still believes in.
Andrew Scott as Lee Ross The Fleabag and Ripley star chews scenery as a washed-up sci-fi author living as a recluse in town. Lee’s bitter rants and mysterious fortune make him an immediate person of interest.
Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane Spaeny continues her hot streak as a former concert cellist whose career ended due to chronic illness. Her fragile faith and desperate need for belonging create one of the film’s most emotional arcs.
Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven McCormack sizzles as Vera’s ambitious adoptive son who dreams of political power through right-wing media connections. Cy sees the church scandal as his ticket to the big time.
Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt Church brings quiet menace and deep sadness as the church groundskeeper who has loved Martha from afar for decades. His knowledge of every hidden corner of the property makes him invaluable, and dangerous.
Supporting Players Who Steal Scenes
- Jeffrey Wright reprises his brief role as Bishop Langstrom
- Annie Hamilton breaks hearts as Grace Wicks, the monsignor’s estranged mother
- Bridget Everett delivers a powerhouse phone cameo as construction worker Louise
- James Faulkner appears as the elderly Reverend Prentice Wicks
- Noah Segan tends bar as Nikolai
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt returns with his signature baseball radio voice cameo
Rian Johnson wrote each role specifically for these actors, creating what many call his most personal and ambitious Knives Out film. The movie currently sits at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes with universal praise for the performances and daring exploration of faith, power, and deception in modern America.
The Wake Up Dead Man proves once again why this franchise keeps getting bigger, better, and more star-packed with every chapter. The entire ensemble fires on all cylinders, making this required viewing for mystery fans and anyone who loves great acting.
Which performance shocked you the most? Who do you think actually did it? Sound off in the comments and let’s solve this together!