Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has already debunked one huge theory a year before the movie is set to be released. The third installment of the murder mystery franchise is scheduled for 2025 and will continue the exciting adventures of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc. Craig was the one constant between Knives Out and Glass Onion, and he is set to lead the cast of Knives Out 3. With so many new additions to the franchise, one casting has already sparked plenty of theories, but the biggest assumption looks to have been debunked a year before release.

There have been some huge names confirmed for the upcoming Knives Out movie, leading to plenty of speculation about who the killer could be and where the murder mystery may take place. Even Knives Out 3‘s title has caused theories as the connection to a popular U2 song and coffin imagery could offer some clues to the film’s big mystery. While all these possibilities could still hold some weight, one more comedy-orientated theory has dominated internet discussions; however, Rian Johnson himself seems to have debunked this with his latest comments, all but confirming this popular assumption isn’t true.

Jeremy Renner Is Not Playing Himself In Wake Up Dead Man

Renner Will Play A “Proper Part” In Knives Out 3

Despite what speculation has suggested, Jeremy Renner will not be playing himself in the next Knives Out film. Knives Out 3 will be Renner’s first movie role since his injury in 2023, but the actor will not be playing himself. Although he never officially appeared in the previous two films, Renner’s presence was felt in Glass Onion as the franchise created a Jeremy Renner-themed hot sauce that featured frequently throughout the film. With the Knives Out universe acknowledging Renner’s existence, many thought the actor would play himself after being cast for Knives Out 3, but Rian Johnson seemingly denied this.

According to Netflix, Johnson commented on the Jeremy Renner hot sauce gag, claiming “I was very relieved he thought the hot sauce thing was funny! He’s playing a proper part in this one.” This all but confirms Renner’s character will be a fictional one like the rest of the cast, despite the actor existing in the Knives Out universe. While this confirmation may come as a slight disappointment, Renner could continue Knives Out’s Marvel killer trend, meaning the actor’s involvement is still incredibly exciting, and he looks destined to have a great part in the next movie.

Glass Onion’s Jeremy Renner Hot Sauce Joke Explained

Jeremy Renner’s Hot Sauce Has Been A Running Gag Throughout The Knives Out Franchise

Jeremy Renner’s hot sauce joke in Glass Onion was a small gag in the movie, but it ended up having a major impact on the overall plot. The hot sauce joke simply saw Renner’s face on a hot sauce bottle labeled “Renning Hot“, poking some fun at the celebrity’s business ventures. Renner has released music, has his own app, and even appeared on the YouTube show Hot Ones, suggesting the gag was simply playing on his celebrity status, but he wasn’t the only famous name targeted as Glass Onion had plenty of celebrity jokes and references throughout the movie.

These references are simply part of the franchise’s humor which uses real life to help add to the comedy. While Renner’s hot sauce was seemingly just another throwaway gag, it did play a role in Benoit Blanc uncovering the mystery as he used the sauce as fake blood and to make himself tear up, which helped him fake Andi’s death and uncover the killer. This made Renner an iconic part of the series without ever physically appearing in the franchise, and with the actor now officially onboard for Knives Out 3, the return of his hot sauce would be even funnier.

Source: Netflix