Toronto, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicks off with the world premiere of ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’ Directed by Rian Johnson, the film features Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc amidst a captivating narrative filled with humor and modern themes. Several other high-profile films also premiered, including ‘Sacrifice’ and ‘Roofman.’ TIFF runs until September 14, showcasing an impressive lineup of screenings and attracting major talent from the film industry.
Toronto Shines with Star-Studded Film Premieres at TIFF
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) witnessed a thrilling start on its opening day with the world premiere of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” Directed by Rian Johnson, the film sees Daniel Craig return as the iconic detective Benoit Blanc. The movie is set against the backdrop of a small-town church in upstate New York, serving as a stage for a captivating tale involving a charismatic priest, a local police chief, and a baffling death.
Featuring a stellar cast that includes Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Josh O’Connor, and Cailee Spaeny, this film promises to offer thrilling narratives intertwined with satirical humor inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The film touches on modern-day themes, addressing issues related to conspiracy theorists and the political landscape, subtly critiquing Trumpism.
Netflix, riding high on the success of the original “Knives Out,” is reported to have paid a staggering $400 million for two sequels. This latest installment is set to hit theaters in November, with a streaming release planned for December.
Additional Movie Premieres Steal the Spotlight
The festival saw the premiere of several other high-profile films, including “Sacrifice,” attended by star Anya Taylor-Joy. Directed by Romain Gavras, this film offers a celebrity-focused take on climate change and features a cast that includes Chris Evans, Salma Hayek Pinault, John Malkovich, and Charli XCX.
Another notable film, “Roofman,” starring Channing Tatum, tells the astonishing true story of a man who executed a series of heists at McDonald’s by accessing the buildings from the roofs. In addition, Baz Luhrmann premiered “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert”, presenting long-lost footage of the iconic singer narrated by Presley himself.
Audiences were also treated to the premiere screenings of “Rental Family,” featuring Brendan Fraser, and “Good Fortune,” marking Aziz Ansari‘s directorial debut. The diverse lineup and presence of numerous prominent actors enhance TIFF’s reputation as North America’s most significant film festival.
Festival Details and Ongoing Screenings
TIFF runs until September 14, featuring multiple screenings of these blockbusters throughout its duration, ensuring that film enthusiasts have ample opportunities to catch the latest creations from top filmmakers and actors.
As the festival progresses, the buzz surrounding these films is likely to draw even more attention to the cinematic arts, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the theatrical releases and beyond.
FAQs about TIFF and Premieres
What is the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)?
TIFF is an annual film festival held in Toronto, Canada, showcasing a wide range of international films, premiering both feature-length and short films from various genres.
When does TIFF run?
TIFF is scheduled to run until September 14.
What major films premiered at TIFF this year?
This year, notable premieres included “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Sacrifice,” “Roofman,” and “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.”
When can audiences expect to see “Wake Up Dead Man”?
The film is set for a theatrical release in November, followed by a Netflix streaming release in December.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sabrina Carpenter Reveals Inspiration Behind Hit Song “Espresso” During Dreamy French Getaway
Additional Resources
- The Globe and Mail
- Wikipedia: Toronto International Film Festival
- Deadline
- Google Search: Wake Up Dead Man
- People
- Google Scholar: Brendan Fraser Rental Family
- Variety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Toronto International Film Festival
- Us Magazine
- Google News: Angelina Jolie TIFF
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