UPDATE: Rian Johnson has just announced that his upcoming film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, was a more demanding project than his work on Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. In a recent interview, Johnson revealed the unique challenges he faced while crafting this complex narrative.
Set to be released on November 26, 2025, Wake Up Dead Man marks the third installment in Johnson’s acclaimed whodunit series featuring Daniel Craig as the iconic detective, Benoit Blanc. Following the success of Knives Out and Glass Onion, this film dives deeper into themes of faith and corruption, making it a compelling watch for audiences.
In a candid discussion with ScreenRant’s Todd Gilchrist, Johnson emphasized that the intricacies of this film were particularly challenging. “This was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever written – not just of these movies, but ever. This one was really, really tough,” he stated. He explained that while constructing the murder mystery puzzle is akin to solving a crossword, the film’s deeper themes about faith added layers of complexity.
“The real challenge with this one was that it tries to have a multifaceted conversation about faith in the context of this big, entertaining murder mystery,” Johnson shared. “That’s something really personal to me, and it’s something I wanted to get right.”
The narrative centers around Father Jud, a new priest intent on spreading a message of love and forgiveness, contrasting sharply with Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, who manipulates his congregation through fear. When Wicks is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Father Jud becomes the prime suspect, prompting Benoit Blanc to investigate the tangled web of beliefs surrounding the case.
Johnson’s commitment to addressing sensitive topics with nuance is evident. “I wanted the movie to genuinely come at this topic and not just tiptoe around it to not offend anyone,” he noted. The film promises to engage audiences in a thoughtful exploration of faith while delivering a gripping mystery.
As fans eagerly await the release, early critical reception for Wake Up Dead Man suggests it successfully tackles these difficult themes while providing an engaging storyline. Johnson’s meticulous writing process involved extensive revisions to ensure the film resonates with viewers, both emotionally and intellectually.
The film’s exploration of corruption, forgiveness, and the complexities of belief is set to make it a significant contribution to the genre. With its release just around the corner, excitement continues to build among fans and critics alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery approaches its highly anticipated premiere.
