The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to run from October 8 to October 19, 2025, with a lineup that includes the world premiere of Rian Johnson's 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' which will also be available on Netflix starting December 12.

The festival will open with 'John Candy: I Like Me,' directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, marking a high-profile start to the event.

'Wake Up Dead Man,' the third installment in the 'Knives Out' series, is described as more Gothic and grounded, with a tone that differs from previous films, and will be part of the festival's special presentations.

Rian Johnson, the director and writer, has expressed excitement about continuing the murder mystery series, emphasizing the importance of taking creative risks with each film.

The film features a star-studded cast including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, and Kerry Washington, with a plot hinted at through a released image showing Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc and Josh O’Connor’s Rev. Jud Duplenticy.

This film is part of a broader TIFF lineup that includes other high-profile premieres such as Paul Greengrass’s 'The Lost Bus,' starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, and Chloe Zhao’s 'Hamnet,' about William Shakespeare’s son.

Additional notable films include Channing Tatum’s action comedy 'Roofman,' and Clement Virgo’s 'Steal Away,' which will also premiere at the festival.

TIFF’s lineup highlights a diverse array of international cinema, with films like South Korea’s 'Good News,' directed by Sung-hyun Byun, and Steven Soderbergh’s UK-based 'The Christophers'.

The festival’s programming reflects a commitment to showcasing global voices and innovative storytelling, with a focus on mystery, drama, and diverse genres.

The 'Knives Out' franchise continues to evolve, with 'Wake Up Dead Man' referencing U2’s song 'Wake Up Dead Man,' maintaining the series’ trend of pop-culture nods.

Production delays caused by the 2023 writers’ strike were resolved with filming completed in the UK during summer 2024, allowing the film to be ready for its festival debut.

TIFF’s 50th edition promises a rich lineup of films, including high-profile international premieres and special presentations, reaffirming its status as a major global cinema event.