Daniel Craig returns as the astute detective Benoit Blanc in the latest installment of the Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. This film delivers another gripping murder mystery packed with twists and clever misdirection typical of director Rian Johnson’s style. Fans of the franchise will find themselves enthralled by the unexpected revelation of the killer, which continues a fascinating trend involving actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Unraveling the Mystery in Wake Up Dead Man
Wake Up Dead Man’s plot centers around the murder of Msgr. Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, with the identity of the culprit withheld until the movie’s grand finale. With Rian Johnson’s trademark intricate storytelling, the film builds suspense through a web of half-truths and red herrings. Ultimately, the startling reveal shows that Martha (Glenn Close) and Dr. Nat (Jeremy Renner) are behind the crimes, a conclusion that surprises viewers familiar with the series.
The Unique Tradition of MCU Actors as Killers
One of the most intriguing patterns emerging from the Knives Out movies is the casting of MCU actors as the villains. This tradition started with the very first film, where Chris Evans, widely recognized as Captain America, played the conniving Ransom. His character’s attempt to frame Marta for murder and his responsibility for other deaths marked him as a complicated antagonist.
The trend continued in Glass Onion, where Edward Norton—known in the MCU for his role as The Hulk prior to Mark Ruffalo—portrayed Miles Bron, the killer responsible for two significant deaths. Now, Wake Up Dead Man furthers this tradition by casting Glenn Close and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye in the MCU) as murderers in a plot rich with deception and intrigue. Even Glenn Close appeared in the MCU as Nova Prime, tying the franchise and the MCU closer together in an unexpected way.
MCU Actors and Their Fate in the Knives Out Franchise
Interestingly, the use of MCU stars doesn’t just stop at casting them as villains. The franchise also uses these characters to drive many of its deaths. In the original Knives Out, Chris Evans’ character survives but is imprisoned rather than killed. However, the sequels have increased the death toll among MCU-connected actors.
For example, Dave Bautista’s character Duke dies in Glass Onion, marking one of the key deaths tied to Marvel’s stars. Wake Up Dead Man elevates this trend, killing off five of its six MCU-connected cast members, including Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Thomas Haden Church, and Annie Hamilton. Notably, Jeffrey Wright stands out as the MCU veteran who survives this chapter.
While it remains speculative whether Rian Johnson intentionally casts MCU actors just to kill them off on screen, the pattern is too prominent to ignore. This quirky trend of MCU actors frequently meeting their demise in the Knives Out films has become an amusing hallmark for fans to watch out for.
About Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Directed and written by Rian Johnson, Wake Up Dead Man blends comedy, drama, and mystery in a compelling 140-minute runtime. Released on November 26, 2025, the film continues the legacy of the Knives Out franchise by delivering a unique murder mystery experience that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
Featuring a stellar cast, including Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, Josh O’Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy, Glenn Close as Martha, and Jeremy Renner as Dr. Hart, the movie is a masterclass in intertwining complex characters and suspenseful storytelling.
Conclusion
The latest Knives Out installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, not only delivers an engrossing murder mystery but also continues the unexpected tradition of featuring MCU actors as killers and key victims. This pattern adds a unique layer of intrigue for fans of both franchises, blending star power with cleverly crafted narratives. Whether this trend is intentional or coincidental, it surely provides an entertaining element for viewers to anticipate in future Knives Out films. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
