The cast of Knives Out 3 brings together acclaimed actors, mysterious characters, and an unforgettable murder investigation. Officially titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment follows detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates a disturbing case connected to a church community. Daniel Craig returns alongside Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Josh O’Connor, and other talented performers. Discover the complete cast, character names, release details, setting, and answers to the biggest questions about this mystery film.
What Is the Official Name of Knives Out 3?
The official title of the third movie is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Writer and director Rian Johnson returns to the franchise, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as detective Benoit Blanc.
Unlike the first film, which revolves around a wealthy family, and the second, which takes place on a private Greek island, the third installment explores a darker mystery involving a church community.
The story combines crime, suspense, personal secrets, and conflicting beliefs. These elements create a distinctive setting where nearly every character has a connection to the investigation.
Complete Cast of Knives Out 3: Actors and Characters
The cast of Knives Out 3 includes established Hollywood stars and talented supporting performers. Each character contributes to the mystery through personal relationships, hidden motives, or connections to the church.
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Craig | Benoit Blanc | Private detective investigating the murder |
| Josh O’Connor | Father Jud Duplenticy | Young priest who becomes a suspect |
| Josh Brolin | Monsignor Jefferson Wicks | Influential church leader |
| Glenn Close | Martha Delacroix | Devoted church member |
| Mila Kunis | Geraldine Scott | Local police chief |
| Jeremy Renner | Dr. Nat Sharp | Local physician |
| Kerry Washington | Vera Draven | Lawyer connected to the community |
| Andrew Scott | Lee Ross | Reclusive writer |
| Cailee Spaeny | Simone Vivane | Cellist |
| Daryl McCormack | Cy Draven | Politically ambitious character |
| Thomas Haden Church | Samson Holt | Church groundskeeper |
| Jeffrey Wright | Bishop Langstrom | Senior church official |
| Annie Hamilton | Grace Wicks | Monsignor Wicks’s mother |
| Noah Segan | Nikolai | Owner of a local pizzeria and bar |
| Bridget Everett | Louise | Construction-company worker |
The ensemble gives the film a wide range of personalities. As the investigation progresses, their relationships and individual circumstances become increasingly important.
1. Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, the celebrated detective who connects the three movies in the franchise.
Blanc approaches investigations through careful observation, detailed questioning, and logical reasoning. He pays attention to contradictions that other people overlook, allowing him to uncover information hidden beneath seemingly ordinary conversations.
In the third film, Blanc investigates a death surrounded by unusual circumstances. He must examine the relationships between church members and determine which details reveal the truth.
Craig’s performance continues to define the franchise through Blanc’s distinctive personality, Southern accent, and unconventional investigative methods.
2. Josh O’Connor as Father Jud Duplenticy
Josh O’Connor plays Father Jud Duplenticy, a young priest assigned to serve at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude.
Jud believes that faith should encourage compassion and understanding. His approach differs from the methods used by Monsignor Wicks, creating tension within the church community.
When Wicks dies, Jud becomes a central figure in the investigation. His connection to the victim raises questions about his actions and motives.
Jud’s character also introduces emotional depth to the story. His struggle involves more than clearing his name; he must confront difficult questions about responsibility, forgiveness, and belief.
3. Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks
Josh Brolin portrays Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a powerful religious leader whose influence shapes the community.
Wicks maintains authority through a forceful personality and confrontational approach. His leadership style creates tension, particularly with Father Jud, whose beliefs emphasize compassion.
Wicks’s death becomes the central event that brings Benoit Blanc into the investigation. His relationships with the other characters provide important clues about the conflicts surrounding the church.
People searching for the cast of Knives Out 3 Wicks actor are looking for Josh Brolin. His character is central to the plot, although his importance alone does not establish who committed the crime.
4. Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix
Glenn Close plays Martha Delacroix, a devoted member of the church community with longstanding connections to its leadership.
Martha’s loyalty and personal history make her an important character in the investigation. Her connection to the parish helps reveal the influence that old secrets and personal beliefs can have on present-day events.
Close is known for performances in films such as Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons. In this mystery, she contributes to an atmosphere where devotion and loyalty can complicate the search for the truth.
5. Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott
Mila Kunis portrays Geraldine Scott, the local police chief responsible for responding to the death at the center of the story.
Scott must manage the initial investigation while dealing with uncertainty within the community. As the case becomes more complicated, she works alongside Benoit Blanc.
Her practical approach provides a contrast to Blanc’s unusual investigative style. Together, they examine the circumstances surrounding the crime and the conflicting accounts provided by the people involved.
6. Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp
Jeremy Renner plays Dr. Nat Sharp, a local physician whose personal circumstances become relevant to the investigation.
Nat is one of the characters whose relationships and decisions deserve close attention. His presence adds another possible suspect to an already complicated mystery.
Renner is known for films such as The Hurt Locker and The Town. His performance adds another recognizable face to the film’s ensemble.
7. Kerry Washington as Vera Draven
Kerry Washington plays Vera Draven, a lawyer whose professional responsibilities and personal relationships connect her to the community.
Vera brings a different perspective to the story from the church officials and other residents. Her family connections and decisions contribute to the conflicts surrounding the investigation.
Washington is also known for Scandal and Django Unchained. Her role helps broaden the mystery beyond the disagreement between Jud and Wicks.
8. Andrew Scott as Lee Ross
Andrew Scott portrays Lee Ross, a reclusive writer connected to the group of characters surrounding the central crime.
Lee’s private nature makes him an intriguing presence in a story built around hidden motives. As Blanc investigates, the characters’ histories become increasingly important.
Scott has received recognition for his work in Sherlock and Ripley. His performance contributes to the film’s collection of complicated personalities.
9. Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane
Cailee Spaeny plays Simone Vivane, a cellist whose life intersects with the church community.
Simone adds another perspective to the ensemble. Her relationships and circumstances become part of the broader network that Blanc must understand.
Spaeny is known for performances in Priscilla and Civil War. Her character adds variety to a cast featuring religious figures, professionals, and local residents.
10. Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven
Daryl McCormack portrays Cy Draven, an ambitious character connected to the Draven family.
Cy’s political interests introduce another source of tension into the story. His relationships with Vera and other characters help establish the personal conflicts surrounding the investigation.
McCormack has appeared in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and Peaky Blinders. His role adds another dimension to the film’s exploration of reputation and ambition.
11. Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt
Thomas Haden Church plays Samson Holt, the church groundskeeper.
His work gives him a practical connection to the parish and its surroundings. In a mystery involving an unusual death, the location and access to different areas can become relevant details.
Church is known for Sideways and Spider-Man 3. His character contributes to the supporting ensemble and the atmosphere surrounding the church.
12. Jeffrey Wright as Bishop Langstrom
Jeffrey Wright portrays Bishop Langstrom, a senior church official who sends Jud to the parish after Jud encounters trouble.
Langstrom’s decision helps establish the circumstances that bring Jud into contact with Wicks. His position also illustrates the wider religious hierarchy behind the conflict.
Wright has appeared in American Fiction and The French Dispatch. His role helps explain the relationships between the church’s leadership and its local congregation.
13. Annie Hamilton as Grace Wicks
Annie Hamilton plays Grace Wicks, the mother of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks.
Grace has a complicated history connected to the church and its leadership. Her family relationship makes her relevant to the background of the central mystery.
People searching for the cast of Knives Out 3 Grace actress are looking for Annie Hamilton.
The derogatory terms used about Grace in the film reflect the hostility directed toward her by other characters. They should not be mistaken for her official character name or a neutral description of her identity.
14. Noah Segan as Nikolai
Noah Segan plays Nikolai, who operates Il Diavolo, a local pizzeria and bar.
Segan is a longtime collaborator of writer-director Rian Johnson. His appearances across the Benoit Blanc films provide a recurring connection between otherwise separate mysteries.
Nikolai also gives the story a connection to the wider community beyond the church itself.
15. Bridget Everett as Louise
Bridget Everett portrays Louise, a construction-company worker who becomes relevant through a phone call made by Jud.
Her role connects the investigation to people outside the immediate circle of church members. Although she has a smaller part than the main suspects, her appearance contributes to the broader story.
What Is the Cast of Knives Out 3 Release Date?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery premiered in select theaters on November 26, 2025. The film became available on Netflix on December 12, 2025.
| Release detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official title | Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery |
| Theatrical release | November 26, 2025 |
| Netflix release | December 12, 2025 |
| Director | Rian Johnson |
| Lead actor | Daniel Craig |
| Genre | Mystery, crime, thriller, comedy, drama |
| Runtime | Approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes |
| Streaming platform | Netflix |
The theatrical and streaming dates are different, so viewers should distinguish between the initial cinema release and the date the movie arrived on Netflix.
Is Knives Out 3 on Netflix?
Yes. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is available on Netflix, subject to regional availability and subscription requirements.
To watch the movie, open Netflix, search for the official title, and select the film from the available results. You can then check the audio, subtitle, and playback options offered in your region.
If the movie does not appear in your catalog, availability may differ by country. Always check your regional streaming catalog before assuming that a title is unavailable everywhere.
What Is the Setting of Knives Out 3?
The story takes place in a small community in upstate New York, with much of the mystery centered on Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude.
The church is more than a backdrop. It is a place shaped by history, authority, personal loyalty, and disagreements about faith.
The conflict between Father Jud and Monsignor Wicks helps establish the film’s darker atmosphere. Their opposing approaches to religious leadership influence the community and create tensions that become important to the investigation.
The limited setting also supports the traditional murder-mystery structure. Blanc must examine a group of connected characters, determine which statements are reliable, and understand how their histories relate to the crime.
Who Is the Killer in Knives Out 3?
Spoiler warning: This section reveals important plot details.
The mystery involves a plan connected to Monsignor Wicks’s death and a series of events that expose the characters’ hidden motives.
Dr. Nat Sharp carries out the physical killing of Monsignor Wicks as part of Martha Delacroix’s plan. Martha’s actions are tied to her discovery of Wicks’s intentions and her determination to protect the church’s legacy.
Nat later betrays the arrangement for his own financial gain. Martha ultimately kills Nat, and the investigation reveals how the separate events connect.
The story also involves Samson Holt and a valuable jewel known as Eve’s Apple. These details help explain why several characters conceal information and why Blanc must look beyond the first apparent explanation.
Does Joseph Gordon-Levitt Appear in Knives Out 3?
Yes. Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes a voice cameo as a sports announcer narrating a baseball game.
His appearance continues a tradition across the Benoit Blanc movies. In the first Knives Out, he voiced a detective in a television program. In Glass Onion, his voice appeared in an hourly musical tone.
The cameo is brief, so viewers may not immediately recognize him. However, it provides another small connection between the three films.
Is There a Bartender in Knives Out 3?
Nikolai, played by Noah Segan, operates Il Diavolo, a local pizzeria and bar.
People searching for the cast of Knives Out 3 bartender may be referring to this character. However, identifying him primarily as the establishment’s owner or operator is more accurate than describing him only as a bartender.
Nikolai also has a connection to the wider community, helping the story extend beyond the church and its immediate members.
Knives Out 3 Review: Is the Movie Worth Watching?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery combines an intricate murder investigation with questions about faith, authority, guilt, and forgiveness.
Several elements make the film appealing to mystery fans:
- A talented ensemble: The cast brings different personalities, backgrounds, and motivations to the story.
- A memorable detective: Daniel Craig returns with Benoit Blanc’s distinctive investigative style.
- Emotional character development: Josh O’Connor’s Father Jud adds a personal dimension to the investigation.
- A distinctive setting: The church creates a darker atmosphere than a conventional country-house mystery.
- Unexpected developments: Hidden relationships and conflicting accounts challenge viewers to reconsider their assumptions.
The film also explores more than the identity of the killer. It examines how loyalty can become dangerous when people refuse to question those they trust.
Viewers who enjoy layered mysteries, character-driven storytelling, and gradual revelations may find the movie particularly engaging.
Knives Out 3 Rotten Tomatoes Score
Rotten Tomatoes scores provide a snapshot of critics’ reviews and audience reactions. The figures available during research placed the film at approximately 92% on the Tomatometer and 93% on the Popcornmeter. These figures may change as additional reviews and audience ratings are added.
| Review factor | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tomatometer | Percentage of counted critic reviews classified as positive |
| Popcornmeter | Audience response based on eligible user ratings |
| Critics’ consensus | Summary of recurring opinions in professional reviews |
| Individual reviews | Assessments of acting, pacing, writing, suspense, and direction |
A high score suggests a broadly positive reception, but it does not guarantee that every viewer will enjoy the movie. Personal preferences regarding pacing, comedy, and complex plots can influence individual opinions.
How Does Knives Out 3 Connect to the Franchise?
The Knives Out franchise follows Benoit Blanc as he investigates a different mystery in each installment.
| Movie | Release year | Main setting or focus | Returning lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knives Out | 2019 | A wealthy family’s mansion and a suspicious death | Daniel Craig |
| Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery | 2022 | A private Greek island gathering | Daniel Craig |
| Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | 2025 | A church community in upstate New York | Daniel Craig |
Each movie introduces a new group of suspects, a different setting, and a separate case. Viewers can enjoy the third film without remembering every detail of the earlier installments.
The third entry continues the franchise’s interest in secrets, unreliable appearances, and social tensions. However, its darker atmosphere and religious themes give it a distinctive identity.
Key Facts About the Cast of Knives Out 3
Here are the most important details for readers who want a quick overview.
- Official title: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
- Detective Benoit Blanc: Daniel Craig
- Father Jud Duplenticy: Josh O’Connor
- Monsignor Jefferson Wicks: Josh Brolin
- Martha Delacroix: Glenn Close
- Grace Wicks: Annie Hamilton
- Geraldine Scott: Mila Kunis
- Dr. Nat Sharp: Jeremy Renner
- Director and writer: Rian Johnson
- Theatrical release: November 26, 2025
- Netflix release: December 12, 2025
- Main setting: A church community in upstate New York
- Primary genre: Murder mystery, with thriller, comedy, and drama elements
These facts cover the most common questions about the cast, characters, setting, release dates, and streaming availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the official title of Knives Out 3?
The official title is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. It is the third film in the Benoit Blanc franchise, directed by Rian Johnson.
2. Who is in the cast of Knives Out 3?
The principal cast includes Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
3. When was Knives Out 3 released?
The movie premiered in select theaters on November 26, 2025, and arrived on Netflix on December 12, 2025.
4. Who plays Monsignor Wicks and Grace Wicks?
Josh Brolin plays Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, while Annie Hamilton portrays his mother, Grace Wicks.
5. Who is the killer in Knives Out 3?
Spoiler answer: Dr. Nat Sharp physically kills Monsignor Wicks as part of Martha Delacroix’s plan. Martha later kills Nat after he betrays the arrangement.
6. Where can I watch Knives Out 3?
You can watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix, subject to availability in your region and the requirements of your subscription.
Conclusion
The cast of Knives Out 3 gives Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery a compelling combination of established stars, complicated relationships, and unexpected revelations. Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, while Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, and Annie Hamilton bring important characters to life.
With its church setting, layered murder investigation, and themes of faith and forgiveness, the third installment offers more than a straightforward search for a killer. If you enjoy mysteries that reward close attention, this film offers plenty to discuss, from the characters’ hidden motives to the clues that ultimately reveal the truth.
Editorial note:
This article summarizes cast, character, and release information for general readers. Review scores can change over time, and readers should distinguish confirmed plot details from speculation when discussing the mystery.
