Emmy-winner Kerry Washington is set to join Daniel Craig in the upcoming Netflix sequel, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”
Joining Washington are fellow newcomers Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, and Andrew Scott, all set to share the screen with Craig, who reprises his role as the renowned detective Benoit Blanc. Rian Johnson, the mastermind behind the series, returns to direct, having penned the script alongside producing partner Ram Bergman under their T-Street banner.
While specific plot details remain shrouded in mystery, anticipation for “Wake Up Dead Man” runs high, following the success of its predecessors.
Lionsgate released the original 2019 film, which impressively grossed $312 million against a $40 million budget. Netflix then bought the rights to the murder mystery series for more than $450 million and debuted the sequel, “Glass Onion,” in 2022. “Glass Onion” was the first Netflix movie to play in the country’s three biggest chains — AMC Theaters, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark — and generated an estimated $15 million during its week-long run. The jury is still out on release plans for the third entry.
“Knives Out” is known for casting a who’s who ensemble of suspects, with only Craig returning for each new installment. The first “Knives Out” featured LaKeith Stanfield, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette; while the sequel “Glass Onion” included Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr., Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson and Dave Bautista.
Production is slated to commence next month, with Netflix eyeing a release date sometime in 2025.
Kerry Washington, celebrated for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Olivia Pope in the hit series “Scandal,” maintains a busy schedule across both film and television. Audiences can anticipate her upcoming role in the Netflix feature “Six Triple Eight,” directed by Tyler Perry. Additionally, Washington recently wrapped filming on the Lionsgate action film “Shadow Force” and is gearing up for the second season of her Hulu series “Unprisoned,” featuring the esteemed Delroy Lindo.