Lights, Camera, EV5
Kia has launched a new global campaign in partnership with Netflix’s upcoming film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The campaign puts the fully electric Kia EV5 front and center, blending cinematic suspense with smart automotive branding.
Following a teaser on December 4, Kia dropped the full-length collaboration film—The Kia EV5 x Wake Up Dead Man—which cleverly weaves the EV5 into the plot of the highly anticipated third Knives Out film.
Mystery Meets Mobility
Set within the stylish, twisted world of Knives Out, the campaign uses the EV5 as a storytelling device. It turns the SUV’s interior into a playful “crime scene,” leaning into the theme of a locked-room mystery. But instead of just tension, there’s contrast: suspense from the story, comfort from the EV5.
The short film follows a classic whodunit arc, with detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), police, and suspects all circling around one location—the EV5. Along the way, Kia highlights the SUV’s most appealing features without stepping outside the story.
EV5 Features in the Spotlight
The campaign focuses on key EV5 attributes that fit naturally within the mystery narrative:
- Authentic SUV presence with bold proportions
- Spacious, comfort-first interior, made for families and outdoor lifestyles
- Relaxation comfort seats for front-row naps or long waits
- Sliding tray with extra storage and second-row access
- Full flat-folding second-row seats for maximum cargo or impromptu overnight setups
This isn’t just product placement—it’s product storytelling.
Global Campaign, Global Audience
The campaign is rolling out across six major markets—South Korea, Canada, the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain—targeting Kia’s growing EV customer base: adventurous, family-focused, and design-conscious.
It also builds on Kia’s growing Netflix strategy, following its earlier Squid Game: Season 2 tie-in.
Final Scene
This partnership gives the EV5 a cultural moment inside a globally beloved franchise. With its blend of humor, mystery, and innovation, the campaign positions Kia’s EV5 not just as an SUV—but as a star in its own right.
