Daniel Craig clarifies whether he would return to the role of Benoit Blanc after the release ofWake Up Dead Man, stating what would bring him back to the franchise. The actor joined forces with director Rian Johnson for his initial 2019 whodunnitKnives Outas the gentleman detective Benoit Blanc, reprising his role for 2022’sGlass Onion. In 2025,Johnson and Craig will reunite forWake Up Dead Man, which also stars Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunas, Thomas Haden Church, and Daryl McCormack.
As Craig opened up about his career’s past, present, and future withVariety, the actor touched upon the future of Benoit Blanc after his third feature. When asked whether he could see himself playing the detective beyondWake Up Dead Man, he was open to return. To Craig, his involvement was a guarantee so long as the writing was as consistent as the first two movies:
If Johnson keeps writing them like that, then yes, I will play it.
Furthermore, Craig revealed that the less physically intensive role had been a welcome change compared to his tenure as James Bond. Check out Craig’s response below:
What Craig’s Response Reveals About Knives Out’s Future Sequels
The Actor Has Been Disappointed Behind The Scenes
While Craig is optimistic about his commitment to theKnives Outfranchise, it is hard to deny that some tensions may have left his future involvement up to debate. BothCraig and Johnson have reportedly been at odds with Netflixand its CEO Ted Saranados over the handling of the distribution ofGlass Onion, leading to an explicit exchange Craig had with the CEO during its premiere.
Knives Out 3’s Title: Wake Up Dead Man & Its Meaning Explained
The mysterious title of Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out film Wake Up Dead Man could share a thematic connection with a famous rock & roll band.
Despite this,Knives Out’s future will not always be dependent on Netflix, as thestreaming service has only financed the two currently announced sequels. As such, should Johnson and Craig find them similarly dissatisfied with the streaming service, they could potentially seek other distributors and studios who would fulfill their wishes. Their financiers may be up in the air, but the actor and director’s desire to share more of Blanc’s cases is clear.
Our Thoughts On Craig’s Future Knives Out Plans
Blanc Has Quickly Become One Of Craig’s Most Beloved Roles
Craig’s post-Bondcareer has undoubtedly brought the actor some of his most varied works since he left the role of 007 behind, but Blanc has become one of his most beloved characters. With his memorable accent, turn of phrase, and Craig’s deliveries, his performances remain a highlight of each feature, even if by the end of its runtime he slips into more of a supporting role to the movie’s true leads.
As such, when Craig’s eagerness is paired with the character’s reception among critics and audiences, it is clear there is a desire to see more of Blanc solving mysteries. The plot forWake Up Dead Manmay be hidden as audiences await their first teaser trailer, but Blanc stealing the show seems to be guaranteed, going by Craig’s past performances.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Cast
World-renowned detective Benoit Blanc returns in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The film will follow a new cast surrounding the detective as he attempts to solve another strange case.
