Josh O'Connor recently opened up about his luxurious experience filming the upcoming Netflix film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment of the popular Knives Out series. Talking with fellow actor Daniel Craig for Variety, O'Connor, who joins the series as a fresh face, shared stories from behind the scenes, emphasizing the lavishness of the accommodations provided on set. The 34-year-old actor couldn't help but gush over the trailers, calling them 'the best... ever' and admitting they were even nicer than his flat back in London. He laughed, recalling how he often found himself knocking on Craig’s door during their time together, humorously highlighting their close bond during filming.
Set to be released on Netflix in 2025, Knives Out 3 features not just Craig, reprising his role as the iconic detective Benoit Blanc, but also boasts a star-studded cast including the likes of Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, and Josh Brolin. Close referred to their group as 'a cast from heaven,' brimming with excitement about working together and sharing screen time. She added how thrilling it was to be part of scenes filled with the charisma and talent of such well-known actors, creating high expectations and excitement around the project.
During their candid discussion, O'Connor and Craig also reflected on their collaborations with the renowned director Luca Guadagnino. O'Connor had the opportunity to work with him on Challengers, and he praised Guadagnino for cultivating what he labeled 'brilliant chaos' on set, along with creating 'absolute focus' for the actors. He noted how Guadagnino's approach allowed him to transform source material, offering something distinctly unique, thereby elevening the overall cinematic experience.
The conversation shifted to more intimate aspects of acting, where both men discussed on-screen intimacy scenes. They recognized their importance to the narrative but underlined the necessity of tapping deep emotions and authentic truths. O'Connor shared a lighthearted moment from Challengers, where he ended up playfully kissing his co-star Mike Faist after initially kissing Zendaya. This humorous mishap not only broke the tension but allowed for some fun behind the scenes.
O'Connor described his time on the Knives Out 3 set as more than simply professional, emphasizing how close he and Craig became throughout their three-month filming endeavor. Their camaraderie was palpable, with O'Connor reflecting on how they were 'all in each other’s pockets' during the shoot, which contributed to their bonding experience.
Craig, who has taken on the role of Benoit Blanc for the third time, expressed some nostalgic feelings about the decline of theatrical releases. He pointed out how films like Knives Out were capable of pulling together audiences from various generations, creating shared laughter and delight within the cinema setting. While he appreciates the convenience of viewing from home, he fondly reminisced about the irreplaceable joy of enjoying films surrounded by others who share the same enthusiasm.
Both actors are clearly eager to see how audiences react to Wake Up Dead Man, not just for their performances but for the rich collaboration involved with the eclectic cast. With budding friendships and memorable moments, the chemistry formed on set promises to translate well to the final product, leaving audiences anticipating its release.
