Knives Out 3: Every Actor’s Performance Ranked From Worst to Best

The latest chapter in the Knives Out saga, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, delivers a fresh round of intrigue, dark humor, and a cast packed with talent. Rian Johnson returns to direct, with Daniel Craig once again stepping into the shoes of Detective Benoit Blanc. This time, he’s joined by a dynamic ensemble including Josh Brolin, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, and more. With so many big names sharing the screen, it ’s only natural to wonder who truly shines and who fades into the background.

Background Players and Missed Opportunities

Thomas Haden Church’s portrayal of Samson Holt is subtle, with most of his presence felt in the background. He’s often seen tending to the grounds, rarely stepping into the spotlight. His late-night confrontation with Blanc stands out, adding a touch of folk horror, but his stoic character keeps him from joining the film ’s more heated exchanges. While he serves as a convincing red herring, his performance doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Kerry Washington steps in as Vera Draven, a tightly wound lawyer with limited screen time. Her one major argument with her stepson hints at her range, but early reviews note that her talent feels underused. Despite her potential, the role doesn’t give her much room to shine, placing her near the bottom of the ranking.

Mila Kunis brings star power as Chief Geraldine Scott, the local police chief. Her skeptical banter with Blanc adds a spark, especially with her memorable “Scooby-Doo” line. However, some viewers felt her energetic style clashed with the film’s gothic atmosphere, making her casting feel a bit off-key.

Supporting Standouts and Understated Roles

Cailee Spaeny plays Simone Vivane, a character whose vulnerability and physical limitations add depth to the mystery. Though her screen time is brief, she delivers a powerful emotional scene before fading into the ensemble. Andrew Scott, known for his intense roles, takes on a satirical turn as a washed-up sci-fi author. His sharp social commentary brings humor, but his character is sidelined, leaving audiences wanting more from his performance.

Jeremy Renner appears as a devastated, alcoholic doctor. His quiet, restrained performance is a departure from his usual roles, with a standout moment in the morgue. Still, his character is intentionally underwritten, keeping him from reaching the dramatic heights of some of his co-stars.

Josh Brolin commands attention as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, the film’s victim. His scenes, mostly shown in flashbacks, are magnetic and chilling. Though his time on screen is limited, he leaves a strong impression as the story’s central figure.

Scene-Stealers and Top Performances

Glenn Close takes on the role of Martha Delacroix, a devoted church assistant whose presence grows as the film progresses. Her frantic confession scene is both darkly funny and deeply moving, making her one of the few who can match Craig’s energy on screen. While her character takes time to develop, her explosive second-half performance is unforgettable.

Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is back, though this time with a more subdued approach. He doesn’t appear until later in the first act, but his partnership with Josh O’Connor’s character brings new emotional depth. Their discussions about faith and logic reveal a side of Blanc not seen before, making Craig’s performance both familiar and refreshingly serious.

Josh O’Connor emerges as the film’s true standout. As Father Jud Duplenticy, he leads the story for much of the first half, delivering a performance that critics and fans alike call a career best. His ability to shift from panic to quiet reflection makes his character the most relatable in the series. The dynamic between O’Connor and Craig anchors the film, with O’Connor’s nuanced portrayal earning him the top spot among this impressive cast.

Key Details and Release Information

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is directed by Rian Johnson and features a cast including Daniel Craig, Cailee Spaeny, and Andrew Scott. The film premiered on November 26, 2025, and is available to stream on Netflix. It currently holds a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a worldwide box office gross of $1.6 million. The movie was produced by T-Street Productions.

Share your thoughts on these rankings and catch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery now on Netflix.