After a near-fatal snow plow accident in 2023 that left him with over 30 broken bones, Jeremy Renner made his return to acting in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The third film in Rian Johnson’s popular whodunnit series provided Renner with a supportive environment and a sense of community during his recovery. Renner described the experience as healing and uplifting, marking a significant milestone in his journey back to health and his career.
The Accident and Recovery
On January 1, 2023, Jeremy Renner was run over by his 14,000-pound snowplow while trying to protect his nephew. The accident caused critical injuries, including a collapsed rib cage and multiple fractures. Renner has spoken openly about the experience, describing it as a near-death moment that changed his perspective on life. He mentioned feeling a sense of “exhilarating peace” during the incident and initially did not want to return to life, as he felt overwhelmed by the pain and trauma of his injuries. His recovery involved multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, during which he relied on emotional support animals, including his dog, bunny, pig, and parrot.
Renner said, “It is the most exhilarating peace you could ever feel. It’s the highest adrenaline rush, but the peace that comes with it… it’s magnificent. It’s so magical. I didn’t want to come back. I remember I was brought back and I was so pissed off” .
Return to Filming with Knives Out 3
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is Renner’s first film project since the accident. He plays the character Dr. Nat Sharp in the movie, which features an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Mila Kunis. Renner joined the production during the summer of 2024, and the film wrapped filming in August of that year. The movie is set to debut on September 6 at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released on December 12 on Netflix, with a limited theatrical release starting November 26.
Renner emphasized the supportive atmosphere on set, comparing the experience to a stage play due to the close-knit interactions among the cast and crew. He described the camaraderie as a key factor in his comfort and recovery, allowing him to focus on his love for acting while surrounded by people he respects and admires.
Renner shared, “It’s a lot of support, man. It’s lovely to have it. There’s such a communion and camaraderie that happens, especially on a movie like this. This is not even really a movie to me, it’s more like a stage play” .
Support from the Cast and Crew
The cast of Knives Out 3 played a significant role in helping Renner readjust to working in film. He mentioned that working with such a collaborative and talented group made the process feel natural and uplifting. Director Rian Johnson also expressed his enthusiasm for working with Renner, noting that he had wanted to collaborate with him for a long time. The environment on set was designed to be inclusive and supportive, which helped Renner feel welcomed back into the industry.
Glenn Close, who is also part of the cast, said working on the film was “truly one of the best experiences of my life” and praised Johnson for assembling a “cast from heaven” .
Renner’s Perspective on Life After the Accident
The accident profoundly impacted Renner’s outlook on life. He has stated that he now prioritizes love and meaningful relationships over things he previously valued. His memoir, My Next Breath, details his experience and recovery, and he has spoken about how writing the book helped him process the trauma for himself and his family, particularly his nephew, who witnessed the accident. Renner has also returned to using the same snowplow involved in the accident, refusing to let the experience haunt him.
Renner explained, “I’m going to live life on my own terms. And for nobody else. I invest into love and my shared relationships that I experience love with ’cause that is the only thing that you take with you” .
About Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
The third film in the Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man, follows Daniel Craig’s character, Benoit Blanc, as he takes on his “most dangerous case yet.” The title is inspired by a U2 song from their 1997 album Pop. The film features a entirely new cast and mystery, consistent with director Rian Johnson’s approach to each installment being a standalone story. The plot details remain undisclosed, but the movie is expected to have a darker, more gothic tone compared to its predecessors.
The cast includes:
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
- Josh O’Connor as Rev. Jud Deplenticity
- Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix
- Josh Brolin as Msgr. Jefferson Wicks
- Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott
- Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp
- Kerry Washington as Vera Draven
- Andrew Scott as Lee Ross
- Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane
- Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven
- Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt
Upcoming Release and Expectations
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and will be released on Netflix on December 12, 2025. The film is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see Renner’s return to the big screen and the next chapter in the Knives Out series. Renner’s participation has added a layer of emotional resonance to the project, highlighting themes of resilience and community.
Also Read: Jeremy Renner to Return as Mike McLusky in Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 Following Paramount Renewal
Credits: Netflix Tudum, CNN
