Netflix Sparks ‘Knives Out’ Season with Josh O’Connor at TIFF [7 Key Insights]

Introduction

Netflix has officially declared the start of “Knives Out” season with a stylish post featuring Josh O’Connor at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The announcement not only excites fans of Rian Johnson’s whodunit universe but also strategically builds momentum for the franchise’s upcoming installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, set to release on December 12, 2025. Here’s a closer look at Netflix’s tweet, TIFF buzz, and why this matters to both fans and the film industry.

Netflix’s Tweet That Started the Buzz

On September 6, 2025, Netflix posted from its official account (@netflix):
“It’s officially KNIVES OUT season 📸: Getty.”

The post was accompanied by a single photo of Josh O’Connor, dressed in a black suit with a checkered tie, warmly smiling at fans behind a TIFF-branded barrier. The backdrop of autumn leaves, flashing cameras, and cheering crowds perfectly reflected the festival’s glamour.

Within hours, the tweet gained 450+ likes, 45 reposts, and thousands of views, signaling how strongly fans connect with the franchise’s return.

It's officially KNIVES OUT season

📸: Getty pic.twitter.com/XaNaCNgr1W

— Netflix (@netflix) September 6, 2025

TIFF 2025: The Perfect Stage for a Mystery

TIFF is no stranger to hosting world premieres that shape the awards season. Netflix leveraging O’Connor’s appearance here highlights the film’s global importance.

• O’Connor, acclaimed for The Crown and Challengers, plays a crucial but secretive role in the new mystery.
• The TIFF backdrop amplified the hype—festival-goers eagerly captured photos, building organic buzz across social platforms.

This aligns with Netflix’s strategy: blending star power with event marketing to maximize anticipation.

The Knives Out Legacy Continues

Rian Johnson’s Knives Out universe has grown into a modern-day mystery classic.

• Knives Out (2019): Over $300M global box office success.
• Glass Onion (2022): A Netflix streaming hit, despite limited theatrical release.
• Wake Up Dead Man (2025): Promises more intrigue, sharp humor, and an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, and Glenn Close.

Why This Matters for Netflix & the Film Industry

This isn’t just a fun post—it’s smart marketing. Netflix has strategically:

1. Tied a festival appearance into franchise buzz.
2. Set up early awards-season speculation.
3. Reinforced Knives Out as a holiday season cultural event.

For Netflix, this means streaming dominance during December, traditionally crowded with rom-coms and Oscar hopefuls. For the industry, it shows how festival premieres and social media marketing go hand-in-hand in shaping audience excitement.

Fan Reactions: A Community of Mystery Lovers

Replies to the Netflix tweet showcased the fandom’s energy:

• The official Knives Out account (@KnivesOut) teased with: “EVERYBODY MOVE” and “for some of us it never stopped 💅.”
• Fans responded with excitement, jokes like “No it’s rabbit season,” and appreciation for O’Connor’s presence.

Opinion

While Netflix’s declaration is exciting, it also highlights the evolving nature of entertainment marketing. In today’s digital landscape, a single tweet can function as a cultural announcement, shaping audience expectations months before a film’s release.

This strategy raises intellectual questions:

• Does hype created at festivals and on social media elevate cinema—or reduce it to viral moments?
• With streaming platforms controlling both distribution and marketing narratives, will future film culture rely more on algorithm-driven anticipation than word-of-mouth?
• Could the mystery genre itself be redefined in the streaming era, where audience engagement extends far beyond the film’s runtime?

As Wake Up Dead Man approaches, one thing is clear: Netflix isn’t just releasing a film; it’s curating a cultural season. For fans and critics alike, the challenge lies in separating the spectacle of promotion from the artistry of storytelling.

Conclusion

Netflix’s declaration of “Knives Out” season, highlighted by Josh O’Connor’s TIFF moment, is more than just a tweet—it’s a signal of how streaming-era cinema blends mystery, marketing, and mass anticipation. With the release date set for December 12, 2025, fans are already sharpening their theories. Whether you love the franchise for its puzzles, performances, or playful twists, one fact remains undeniable: the knives are out, and the game is on.

FAQs

1. When is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery releasing?
→ The film will release on December 12, 2025 on Netflix.

2. Who stars in the upcoming Knives Out film?
→ Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, alongside Josh O’Connor, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, and Glenn Close.

3. Why was Josh O’Connor at TIFF 2025?
→ O’Connor attended TIFF as part of the promotion for Wake Up Dead Man, with the film expected to premiere at the festival.

4. Why did Netflix call it “Knives Out season”?
→ The phrase signals the official start of the film’s promotional campaign, tapping into fan excitement leading to its December release.

5. How successful have previous Knives Out films been?
→ The first film earned over $300M globally, while Glass Onion became a Netflix streaming sensation.