The 67th BFI London Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with the world premiere of “Knives Out 3,” the latest installment in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed mystery series, starring Daniel Craig.
The film, officially titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” marks Craig’s third outing as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc. The premiere at the Southbank Center’s Royal Festival Hall signals a strong start to the festival, which runs through October 15 and showcases a diverse range of international cinema. This year’s festival features 259 films, 18 world premieres, and 84 UK premieres, aiming to draw critically important attention to both established and emerging filmmakers.
Johnson has assembled a new ensemble cast alongside Craig, including Andrea Riseborough, Glen Powell, and Josh O’Connor. Details surrounding the plot remain largely under wraps, but the film reportedly takes Blanc to the Italian Riviera, where he investigates a new case involving a gathering of friends.
The London Film Festival has long served as a crucial launchpad for Oscar contenders and a platform for showcasing independent and international films to a wider audience. The inclusion of a high-profile title like “Knives Out 3” is expected to generate substantial buzz and attract significant media coverage, bolstering the festival’s reputation and drawing film enthusiasts from around the globe. Following the premiere, the film is slated for a limited theatrical release before streaming on netflix.