Mila Kunis on Working with Daniel Craig Before "Wake Up Dead Man"

A Unique Collaboration and a New Chapter in the Knives Out Series

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Mila Kunis shared her experiences working with Daniel Craig on Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest installment in the popular murder mystery franchise. The film is set to release in theaters on November 26 and will be available on Netflix on December 12.

Kunis, known for her roles in various films and television series, admitted that she was initially unsure about how the collaboration would go. She had worked with Craig’s wife, Rachel Weisz, in Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), which gave her some confidence. However, she wasn’t certain how the dynamic would be when working directly with Craig.

She recalls thinking, “This could go either way.” Her concerns were eased by her belief that if Weisz was a wonderful person, then Craig likely would be too. That hypothesis was tested early on, as her first two weeks on the project were spent working closely with Craig, who plays detective Benoit Blanc.

Kunis noted that the tone of the production was set very quickly. “Within the first two hours, Daniel set the greatest tone for not only the cast but also the crew,” she said. She praised both Craig and director Rian Johnson for creating an environment where everyone felt respected and valued. “When you step onto the set every morning, it's just like a lovely, 'We've got this, we're going to have fun, we're going to do it, we're going to work hard, but we're going to respect one another.'” This sentiment was consistent throughout the entire shoot.

Craig, who has played Benoit Blanc in the previous two Knives Out films, continues to bring depth and charm to the role. His performance is central to the story, and Kunis highlighted his professionalism and ability to balance work with humor. “He's got a lot to do. I mean, he is in everything,” she said. “And there's monologue after monologue. And this man was capable of staying sharp and being so professional.”

The film also features a stellar cast, including Glenn Close, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Josh O’Connor, and Andrew Scott. While Josh Gad, known for his role in Adulthood, was not part of the main cast, he made a surprise appearance during an interview at TIFF. He joked about the movie, saying, “What's crazy about this movie is Daniel's the killer.” Craig, seated nearby, responded with a laugh and a playful “F---!” before Kunis added, “That would've been amazing.”

Craig reflected on the third film in the Knives Out series, calling it “extraordinary.” He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play such a unique character. When asked if this would be the final time he portrays Benoit Blanc, Craig humorously replied, “Who told you that? Listen, I don't know. Rian hasn't written anything because we're getting this movie out.” However, he hinted that if Johnson writes another script, it would be an easy decision to return.

The Knives Out series has become a cultural phenomenon, blending mystery, comedy, and suspense. With its engaging storytelling and star-studded cast, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery promises to be another hit in the franchise. Fans can look forward to the film’s release in the coming months.