Rian Johnson has revealed that writing his upcoming film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, presented greater challenges than crafting the screenplay for Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. In a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Todd Gilchrist, Johnson described the creative process behind the third entry in his acclaimed whodunit series as markedly more complex.
Following the success of Knives Out in 2019 and its sequel, Glass Onion, released in 2022, Johnson’s new film continues to feature the character of Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig. The latest installment, scheduled for release on November 26, 2025, delves into themes surrounding faith and how it can be manipulated, presenting a multifaceted view of religion.
Johnson articulated that while constructing intricate narratives has become a familiar exercise for him, this film posed a unique set of difficulties. He stated, “You’d think it’d get easier, but it don’t. It’s not; it’s getting harder. This was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever written—not just of these movies, but ever.”
The central narrative revolves around Father Jud, a newly appointed priest striving to convey a message of love and forgiveness in Christianity. He finds himself entangled with Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a character who exerts fear and judgment over his followers. Following Wicks’ mysterious death, Father Jud becomes the prime suspect, prompting Detective Benoit Blanc to investigate the case.
Johnson emphasized the importance of accurately portraying the complex discussions surrounding faith within the context of an engaging murder mystery. He noted, “The real challenge with this one was that it tries to have a multifaceted conversation about faith. That’s something really personal to me, and it’s something I wanted to get right.” The film aims not to shy away from difficult topics but rather to engage with them thoughtfully.
In crafting the screenplay, Johnson faced the challenge of ensuring that the differing beliefs of his characters would stimulate conversation without seeming didactic. He remarked, “I wanted the movie to genuinely come at this topic and not just tiptoe around it to not offend anyone. At the same time, I wanted it to have a generous spirit.”
The film’s exploration of faith and its implications is evident in the character dynamics, particularly between Father Jud and Detective Blanc, who is a self-identified atheist. Their interactions provide a platform for profound discussions on the essence of religion and its impact on personal beliefs.
As the release date approaches, early reactions suggest that Johnson has successfully navigated the complexities of these themes. Critics have responded positively, indicating that Wake Up Dead Man offers another engaging mystery that addresses the nuances of morality and forgiveness amidst corruption.
With a runtime of approximately 140 minutes, this film not only continues the legacy of its predecessors but also promises to deepen the conversation around significant societal themes. As fans await the latest installment, anticipation builds for how Johnson will weave these intricate threads into a captivating cinematic experience.