Daniel Craig’s New Mystery to Premiere at Toronto Film Festival

Daniel Craig will return to the big screen this September with the premiere of his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This film marks the third installment in the popular whodunit series, continuing the story of the sharply dressed detective Benoit Blanc, who faces what he describes as his “most dangerous case yet.” The festival will take place from September 4 to 14, 2025.

Following the success of its predecessors, the original Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, both of which premiered at TIFF, this new installment promises to deliver another intriguing mystery. The ensemble cast includes notable actors such as Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner. While specific details about the plot remain scarce, Rian Johnson, the writer-director, hinted on social media that the title offers a clue about the storyline.

Exploring the Whodunit Genre

In a recent statement, Johnson expressed his passion for the whodunit genre, highlighting its versatility. “I love everything about whodunnits, but one of the things I love most is how malleable the genre is,” he noted. This film aims to explore the tonal spectrum of mystery storytelling, reminiscent of classic authors such as John Dickson Carr and Agatha Christie.

Following a limited theatrical run, Wake Up Dead Man is scheduled to debut on December 12 on Netflix. The streaming platform acquired the rights to two sequels after the franchise gained significant popularity.

Highlights of TIFF’s 50th Edition

In addition to Craig’s film, TIFF organizers have announced that Channing Tatum’s Roofman will also make its world premiere at this year’s festival. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, known for films like Blue Valentine, this true-crime comedy follows a character played by Tatum who secretly resides in a Toys “R” Us store. The film also stars Kirsten Dunst in the lead role.

Another anticipated entry is The Lost Bus, directed by Paul Greengrass. This Apple-produced film features Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera as they portray a bus driver and a teacher involved in a heroic rescue during California’s devastating 2018 Camp Fire. Greengrass remarked, “The Lost Bus is the story of quiet heroism — of people coming together in the face of the unthinkable.”

Other notable films set to screen at TIFF include Jodie Foster’s A Private Life, Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, and Clement Virgo’s psychological thriller Steal Away. The festival will also feature Nicholas Hytner’s The Choral, starring Ralph Fiennes, and Rental Family, a comedy-drama by Hikari, the director of Beef.

Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer at TIFF, emphasized the festival’s commitment to showcasing a variety of voices and storytelling styles. “These films reflect a sweeping range of voices and styles that embodies the spirit of TIFF and our commitment to a public audience,” she stated.

This year’s festival will take place at several venues, including the TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, and the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre. TIFF’s Tribute Awards Gala will occur on September 7, honoring distinguished filmmakers and actors.

As the largest publicly attended film festival in the world, TIFF has a history of being a launchpad for films that go on to become major contenders during awards season. Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO, noted the festival’s inclusive atmosphere, stating, “People love movies here, but it’s not a snobbish film audience. They embrace stories that speak to the heart, as well as the head, and love the experience of discovering new films.”

With an exciting lineup and a history of memorable premieres, the 50th edition of TIFF promises to be a celebration of cinema that resonates with audiences worldwide.