Cast of Knives Out 3: Who Plays Each Character?

The cast of Knives Out 3 brings together Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and an impressive ensemble of familiar faces. The third Benoit Blanc mystery, officially titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, takes the detective into a small church community where a shocking murder puts everyone under suspicion. If you want to identify the actors, understand their characters, discover the release date, and find out where to watch the film, this guide covers the essential details.

1. What Is the Official Title of Knives Out 3?

The official title of the third film 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’s wealthy family setting and the second film’s private Greek island, this mystery unfolds around a church in upstate New York. Its story explores faith, secrets, personal conflicts, and an apparently impossible murder.

The movie is the third installment in the Benoit Blanc mystery series:

• Knives Out (2019)
• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
• Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

Each film introduces a new collection of characters while bringing Blanc back to investigate a complicated crime.

2. Complete Cast of Knives Out 3: Actors and Characters

The cast includes established Hollywood stars and actors known for acclaimed television and film performances. Each character has a connection to the church, its community, or the murder investigation.

Actor	Character	Role in the Story
Daniel Craig	Benoit Blanc	Famous detective investigating the murder
Josh O’Connor	Father Jud Duplenticy	Young priest at the center of the mystery
Glenn Close	Martha Delacroix	Devoted church member with a complicated past
Josh Brolin	Monsignor Jefferson Wicks	Powerful church leader whose death triggers the investigation
Mila Kunis	Chief Geraldine Scott	Local police chief seeking answers
Jeremy Renner	Dr. Nat Sharp	Local doctor connected to the community
Kerry Washington	Vera Draven	Lawyer and member of the Draven family
Andrew Scott	Lee Ross	Reclusive author
Cailee Spaeny	Simone Vivane	Concert cellist
Daryl McCormack	Cy Draven	Vera’s ambitious stepson
Thomas Haden Church	Samson Holt	Longtime church groundskeeper
Jeffrey Wright	Bishop Langstrom	Church authority who sends Jud to the parish
Annie Hamilton	Grace Wicks	Monsignor Wicks’s mother
Bridget Everett	Louise	Local construction worker
James Faulkner	Reverend Prentice Wicks	Member of the Wicks family
Joseph Gordon-Levitt	Baseball announcer	Voice cameo

The ensemble supports the film’s central mystery by giving Benoit Blanc several people to question. Their relationships, motives, and secrets gradually become important as the investigation develops.

3. Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc

Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, the observant detective who has become the defining character of the franchise. Blanc approaches difficult cases with careful reasoning, sharp questioning, and an unusual ability to notice details that other investigators overlook.

In this installment, he faces a murder that appears impossible to explain through ordinary police work. The church setting also challenges his usual approach because the investigation involves questions of faith, morality, and forgiveness.

Craig’s performance connects the three films, even though each mystery has a different atmosphere and supporting cast.

4. Josh O’Connor as Father Jud Duplenticy

Josh O’Connor plays Father Jud Duplenticy, a young priest whose arrival at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude creates tension within the congregation.

Jud previously worked as a boxer before turning toward the priesthood. His personal history gives him emotional depth, while his sincere approach to faith contrasts with Monsignor Wicks’s leadership.

Jud becomes a central figure in the investigation after Wicks dies during a church service. His connection to the victim makes him a person of interest, but his character is more complicated than a simple murder suspect.

O’Connor’s performance gives the story an emotional center alongside Blanc’s detective work.

5. Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks

Josh Brolin plays Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, the influential religious leader whose death sets the mystery in motion.

Wicks maintains a powerful position within his small-town congregation. His leadership style creates divisions, and his relationships with the people around him raise questions about what happens behind the church’s public image.

The character is essential to the plot because understanding his past and influence helps explain why so many people may have reasons to resent him.

Brolin’s performance adds intensity to the story, particularly as the conflict between Wicks and Father Jud grows.

Who Is the Monsignor Wicks Actor?

The actor playing Monsignor Jefferson Wicks is Josh Brolin, known for films such as No Country for Old Men, Dune, and Avengers: Endgame.

His character is not simply a background religious figure. Wicks’s authority, personal history, and relationships with the congregation all contribute to the mystery.

6. Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix

Glenn Close portrays Martha Delacroix, a devoted church member whose loyalty to the parish shapes her actions.

Martha has a long connection to the church and its leaders. Her dedication makes her an important presence in the community, but her history also reveals how loyalty can become complicated when people protect institutions at the expense of the truth.

Close brings considerable dramatic experience to the role. Her performance helps build tension around Martha’s beliefs, relationships, and understanding of the events surrounding Wicks’s death.

Martha is particularly important to the film’s exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the consequences of long-held grudges.

7. Who Plays Grace Wicks in Knives Out 3?

Annie Hamilton plays Grace Wicks, the mother of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks.

Grace is connected to the church’s complicated family history. Other characters refer to her using harsh and insulting labels, including “the Harlot Whore.” These expressions reflect the hostility and judgment surrounding her past rather than serving as a neutral description of her character.

The character adds another layer to the story’s themes of shame, reputation, and forgiveness. Understanding Grace’s relationship with Wicks helps viewers make sense of the tensions that surround the parish.

Who Is the Grace Actress?

The actress playing Grace Wicks is Annie Hamilton. She is distinct from Glenn Close, who plays Martha Delacroix.

This distinction is useful because searches for Grace and Martha can lead viewers to mix up two very different characters.

8. Mila Kunis as Chief Geraldine Scott

Mila Kunis plays Chief Geraldine Scott, the local police chief responsible for responding to the shocking crime.

When the murder appears to defy explanation, Scott recognizes that she needs outside help. She turns to Benoit Blanc, whose reputation makes him a valuable partner in an unusually difficult case.

Scott’s role provides the police perspective and helps move the investigation forward. Her questions, observations, and decisions also influence how the other characters come under suspicion.

Kunis is known for performances in Black Swan, That ’70s Show, and Luckiest Girl Alive.

9. Other Important Members of the Cast

Several supporting characters add further clues and complications to the investigation.

• Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp: A local doctor whose connection to the community makes him part of the circle of suspects.
• Kerry Washington as Vera Draven: A lawyer whose family relationships are important to the plot.
• Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven: Vera’s ambitious stepson, who has political aspirations.
• Andrew Scott as Lee Ross: A reclusive author whose private life attracts attention.
• Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane: A concert cellist connected to the parish community.
• Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt: The longtime groundskeeper, who knows the church and its surroundings.
• Jeffrey Wright as Bishop Langstrom: A senior church figure who sends Jud to the parish.
• Bridget Everett as Louise: A local worker who adds another perspective on the town.

These supporting roles make the mystery more layered. Rather than relying on a single obvious suspect, the film gives Blanc a community full of relationships to examine.

10. Does Joseph Gordon-Levitt Appear in Knives Out 3?

Yes. Joseph Gordon-Levitt appears as a baseball announcer in a voice cameo.

Gordon-Levitt has appeared in all three Benoit Blanc films in small roles. His appearances are a recurring detail that fans of the franchise may enjoy spotting.

However, he is not one of the central investigators or principal suspects in Wake Up Dead Man. His contribution is a brief appearance rather than a major character arc.

11. 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 setting gives the film a darker and more Gothic atmosphere than the earlier installments. Instead of a luxurious mansion or an exclusive island retreat, the story focuses on a church with a troubled history and a congregation marked by disagreements.

The location matters for several reasons:

• A close-knit community: Many of the characters know one another, creating complicated relationships.
• Religious authority: The church’s leadership influences the way people behave and what they choose to reveal.
• A seemingly impossible crime: The circumstances surrounding Wicks’s death challenge the investigators.
• A history of conflict: Old resentments help explain the growing suspicion between characters.

The result is a mystery that combines traditional detective storytelling with questions about belief, morality, and human behavior.

12. Who Is the Killer in Knives Out 3? (Spoilers)

Spoiler warning:
This section reveals major details about the ending.

The killer is Martha Delacroix, played by Glenn Close. Netflix’s official ending explanation confirms that Martha killed both Monsignor Jefferson Wicks and Dr. Nat Sharp.

Her actions grow out of her desire to protect the church and her deeply rooted resentment toward Wicks. The investigation also reveals the importance of a valuable diamond and the secrets surrounding the Wicks family.

Father Jud’s compassion plays an important role in the ending. Rather than treating Martha only as a criminal, he attempts to understand her motives and encourages her to confront what she has done.

The resolution gives the film a different emotional emphasis from a conventional detective story. Blanc still helps uncover the truth, but forgiveness and personal responsibility become central to the final moments.

13. Cast of Knives Out 3 Release Date and Netflix Availability

The film has already been released. Viewers do not need to wait for a future premiere.

Release Detail	Confirmed Information
Official title	Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Limited theatrical release	November 26, 2025
Netflix streaming release	December 12, 2025
Director and writer	Rian Johnson
Lead actor	Daniel Craig
Genre	Mystery, thriller, comedy, and drama
Runtime	Approximately 2 hours and 24–26 minutes, depending on the listing
Streaming platform	Netflix

The theatrical release took place first, followed by the worldwide streaming launch on Netflix. Availability and subscription options may vary by country.

14. Where to Watch Knives Out 3

You can watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix. The official Netflix title page lists the movie and provides available playback options for supported regions.

To find it:

1. Open Netflix on your television, phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Search for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
3. Open the film’s title page.
4. Check the available audio, subtitle, and playback options for your region.

If the film does not appear in your search results, check your regional Netflix catalog and account availability. The movie’s availability can differ across countries.

15. Cast of Knives Out 3 Review: Is the Movie Worth Watching?

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery offers a different flavor of mystery from the previous films. Its church setting, moral conflicts, and Gothic atmosphere give the story a more serious emotional tone while retaining the franchise’s puzzle-solving structure.

The ensemble is a major attraction. Daniel Craig provides continuity as Benoit Blanc, while Josh O’Connor gives Father Jud a strong emotional presence. Glenn Close and Josh Brolin help create the tensions that drive the central conflict.

Rotten Tomatoes has listed a 92% Tomatometer score and a 93% audience score in its displayed ratings. These figures can change as more reviews and ratings are added, so they should be treated as a snapshot rather than permanent scores.

The movie is worth considering if you enjoy:

• Murder mysteries with several plausible suspects.
• Stories that reveal clues gradually.
• Strong ensemble performances.
• Gothic settings and church-related secrets.
• Themes involving faith, guilt, forgiveness, and justice.

Viewers who prefer a lighter mystery may find this installment more serious than Glass Onion. However, its layered investigation and character-driven ending make it a compelling entry in the franchise.

📌 Key Takeaway

The cast of Knives Out 3 features Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, Josh O’Connor as Father Jud Duplenticy, Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix, and Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks. Annie Hamilton plays Grace Wicks, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes a brief voice cameo.

Released theatrically in November 2025 and on Netflix in December 2025, Wake Up Dead Man brings a new murder mystery to the franchise. Its strongest elements include the ensemble cast, its unusual church setting, and an ending that connects the crime to questions of faith and forgiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is in the cast of Knives Out 3?

The principal cast includes Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. Jeffrey Wright, Annie Hamilton, Bridget Everett, and other performers also appear in supporting roles.

2. What is the release date of Knives Out 3?

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery received a limited theatrical release on November 26, 2025, followed by its Netflix streaming release on December 12, 2025. Both release dates are in the past, so the film is no longer an upcoming release.

3. Is Knives Out 3 available on Netflix?

Yes. Netflix is the film’s streaming home. Search for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery in your regional catalog to check playback availability, subscription requirements, and language options.

4. Who plays Monsignor Wicks and Grace Wicks?

Josh Brolin plays Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, the church leader whose death begins the investigation. Annie Hamilton plays Grace Wicks, his mother. Glenn Close plays Martha Delacroix, a separate character who has a longstanding connection to the church.

5. Who is the killer in Knives Out 3?

Spoiler: Martha Delacroix, played by Glenn Close, is responsible for the deaths of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks and Dr. Nat Sharp. Her motives are tied to her desire to protect the church, family secrets, and her personal history with Wicks.

6. Does Joseph Gordon-Levitt appear in Knives Out 3?

Yes. Joseph Gordon-Levitt provides the voice of a baseball announcer. It is a small cameo rather than a leading role, continuing a recurring tradition of brief appearances across the Benoit Blanc films.

Conclusion

The cast of Knives Out 3 gives Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery its distinctive combination of suspense, character conflict, and emotional depth. From Daniel Craig’s returning detective to Glenn Close’s complex Martha Delacroix and Josh Brolin’s Monsignor Wicks, the performances help turn a seemingly impossible murder into a layered mystery.

If you enjoy detective stories filled with secrets and unexpected revelations, add this film to your watchlist or revisit it to spot clues you may have missed the first time. Which Benoit Blanc mystery is your favorite: Knives Out, Glass Onion, or Wake Up Dead Man?