"Knives Out 3", "Hamnet", "Roofman" Among TIFF Premieres Added to Lineup

Yara Sameh

“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” the third murder mystery in director Rian Johnson’s hit series, will have its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

The movie and several others, including Chloe Zhao’s Shakespearean drama “Hamnet” and Channing Tatum’s action comedy “Roofman,” have been added to the lineup.

Johnson’s two prior whodunnits in the trilogy, 2019’s “Knives Out” and 2022’s “Glass Onion,” also had their world premieres at TIFF.

Daniel Craig will reprise his role as Benoit Blanc, the sleuth with a distinctly Southern drawl, in “Wake Up Dead Man,” alongside the new ensemble of Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, and Andrew Scott.

“Roofman,” based on the true story of a former Army ranger and professional thief who finds a hideout inside a Toys “R” Us, will also host its world premiere in Toronto.

Meanwhile “Hamnet,” a fictionalization of the life of William Shakespeare’s son led by Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, will have its Canadian premiere at TIFF, meaning the film will first screen at another festival before making its way to the Six.

Other new additions to the TIFF lineup include Nicholas Hytner’s “The Choral,” Agnieszka Holland’s “Franz, Neeraj Ghaywan’s “Homebound, Paul Greengrass’ “The Lost Bus,” Rebecca Zlotowski’s “A Private Life,” HIKARI’s “Rental Family,” Peter Ho-Sun Chan’s “She Has No Name," and Clement Virgo’s “Steal Away.”

“Since its inception, TIFF has championed global cinema that opens our eyes and brings us together,” said TIFF’s chief programming officer Anita Lee. “We are delighted to share 11 more titles from our gala and special presentations programs that showcase the remarkable originality and excellence of today’s most exciting and acclaimed directors. These films reflect a sweeping range of voices and styles that embodies the spirit of TIFF and our commitment to a public audience.”

The festival’s 50th edition will take place Sept. 4–14. “John Candy: I Like Me,” a documentary about the late comedian from director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds, will open the festival. Steven Soderbergh’s “The Christophers” and Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda” were also previously added to the docket. In keeping with tradition, TIFF is expected to slowly reveal the rest of its lineup over the next month or so.

See the full list of new titles:

Galas:

The Choral | Nicholas Hytner | UK

World Premiere | Gala Presentation

Homebound | Neeraj Ghaywan | India

North American Premiere | Gala Presentation

Hamnet | Chloé Zhao | UK

Canadian Premiere | Gala Presentation

A Private Life | Rebecca Zlotowski | France

North American Premiere | Gala Presentation

Roofman | Derek Cianfrance | USA

World Premiere | Gala Presentation