Kia EV5 Transformed Into a Crime Scene
In December 2025, Kia Corporation launched a creative collaboration with Netflix tied to the premiere of "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" – the third film in Rian Johnson's popular murder mystery series starring Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc.
In the campaign, the Kia EV5's spacious interior is transformed into a "crime scene", as a nod to the film's classic locked-room mystery theme. Detective Blanc, police, and suspects all revolve around the vehicle – a creative concept that showcases the car's generous interior space in a completely new way.
"Through our collaboration with Netflix, we strive to strengthen brand awareness and deliver new, inspiring ways for customers to experience the Kia EV5."
— Charles Ryu, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Brand & CX, Kia Corporation
What Features Are Showcased in the Film?
The campaign film is carefully crafted to organically highlight the Kia EV5's most important features. Instead of traditional product placement, the car's functions are naturally woven into the story:
- Relaxation seats with rest mode – Front seats that can fold completely flat, perfect for breaks on long journeys (or as part of a crime scene).
- Sliding multi-function table – The second row's flexible table/storage solution that proves the EV5's "office on wheels" concept.
- Fully flat rear seats – Second-row seats fold completely flat, creating an enormous cargo area – or in the film's case, a place to examine clues.
- "Home away from home" concept – The EV5's interior is presented as a room rather than a car cabin, in line with Kia's vision of the car as a second living room.
Facts About the Collaboration
Kia and Netflix – A Growing Partnership
The collaboration with "Wake Up Dead Man" is not Kia's first dance with Netflix. In December 2024, Kia partnered with Squid Game: Season 2, where the new Kia Sportage was featured in a creative campaign with the iconic "Pink Guard" character. The campaign included a YouTube mini-series and pop-up events in Seoul.
The strategic partnership demonstrates Kia's ambition to reach younger, tech-savvy audiences through culturally relevant entertainment rather than traditional car advertising. By placing the EV5 in one of the year's most anticipated films, Kia reaches millions of potential customers globally.
Kia EV5 – The Car Behind the Star
The Kia EV5 is not just a movie star – it is one of the most complete electric SUVs on the market. With 530 km of range, fast charging up to 350 kW DC and a 566-liter cargo area, it offers everything a family needs.
Kia EV5 – Key Specifications
Want to know more about the Kia EV5? Read our complete guide to the Kia EV5 or see current prices and versions.