Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” to Open BFI London Film Festival
Rian Johnson’s highly anticipated third installment in the Benoit Blanc detective franchise, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” is set to kick off the 69th BFI London Film Festival as its opening night gala. The film will premiere at the prestigious Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London, with simultaneous screenings at various locations across the U.K.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the renowned private investigator, embarking on his most perilous investigation yet as he delves into a fresh murder mystery in a yet-to-be-disclosed setting. Joining Craig are a star-studded ensemble cast including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
This collaboration between the festival and the popular franchise is not new, as “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” closed the 66th edition in 2022, and the original “Knives Out” premiered as the festival’s Amex Gala in 2019.
“We’re thrilled to have ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ open the BFI London Film Festival,” expressed Johnson, who serves as the writer, director, and producer of the film. “London holds a special place in the history of detective fiction, and it’s a privilege to return to this iconic city for our latest installment.”
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is a product of Johnson’s T-Street banner, with Ram Bergman also on board as a producer alongside Johnson.
Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival director, shared her excitement for the upcoming event, stating, “As we embark on the 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, audiences can look forward to another captivating mystery from director Rian Johnson. Led by the dynamic duo of Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor, the film showcases exceptional British and international talent both in front of and behind the camera, promising a thrilling cinematic experience that will keep viewers guessing until the very end.”
The BFI London Film Festival is scheduled to run from October 8 to 19, with the full program set to be unveiled on September 3. Following its festival premiere, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” will be available for global streaming on Netflix starting December 12.
