PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks had many games to remember during the 2025 season. One in particular stood out enough to be featured in Netflix’s newest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
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Apr 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) hits a grand slam against the Chicago Cubs during the eight inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
In April, the Diamondbacks traveled to Illinois to take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series. On April 18, the Diamondbacks and Cubs played a back-and-forth, 24-run battle, with the two teams combining for 16 runs in a single inning — the most scored at Wrigley Field.
The Diamondbacks erupted for 10 runs at the top of the 8th inning after trailing 7-1. Yet, it wasn’t enough as the Snakes became the first team to score more than 10 runs in an inning and still lose since the Kansas City Royals did so on Aug. 23, 2006.
While Arizona was on the losing end of the chaotic game, it was still memorable enough to be featured in the film. Director Rian Johnson said the decision was intentional, with the game’s date and the movie’s timeline coinciding.
Remember that insane, 24-run back-and-forth battle between the D-backs and Cubs?
Director Rian Johnson explains why he chose to feature that specific game in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
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“I wanted the movie to be set in 2025,” Johnson said to MLB Network’s Adnan Virk. “… When we were shooting the movie, we didn’t know what the world was going to be like in ’25. We were waiting until the very last moment of postproduction, and once that specific Cubs game happened, I was like, ‘OK, this one will work. It happens on the day of the murder. It happens exactly at the right time.’”
Apr 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) hits a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eight inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks may not have won the game, but it was iconic enough to make it a good fit for the film. While other movies often use well-known games or bigger-market teams, the 24-run matchup marked one of the rare occasions the D-Backs were featured in media outside of MLB.
Arizona’s cameo may have been brief, but being part of a major production highlights how the Diamondbacks can captivate audiences beyond the league.
Apr 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) reacts as he walks back to the dugout after the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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