Rian Johnson has described the writing process for his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, as more challenging than his work on Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. In an interview with Abigail, an editor for ScreenRant, Johnson shared insights into the complexities of crafting a narrative that engages with themes of faith while delivering an entertaining murder mystery.
Following his successful entry into the Star Wars universe, Johnson launched the acclaimed whodunit franchise with Knives Out in 2019. This was followed by Glass Onion in 2022, both featuring Daniel Craig as the iconic detective, Benoit Blanc. The upcoming film, set for release on November 26, 2025, marks the third installment of the franchise and delves into intricate discussions about religion and the potential misuse of faith.
In his conversation with ScreenRant’s Todd Gilchrist, Johnson reflected on the difficulties he faced while writing this new installment. 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.” He noted that while the puzzle element of the narrative resembles solving a crossword puzzle, the deeper challenges lay in addressing the multifaceted conversations about faith.
The film’s storyline centers around Father Jud, a newly appointed priest who aspires to share the compassionate teachings of Christianity. His mission is complicated by his association with Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a character whose authoritarian style creates a toxic environment within his congregation. When Wicks meets a mysterious end, Father Jud becomes the primary suspect, prompting Detective Blanc to investigate the motives of the various individuals connected to Wicks.
Throughout the film, Johnson aims to explore the true essence of the church while avoiding a didactic approach. “I wanted the movie to genuinely come at this topic and not just tiptoe around it to not offend anyone,” Johnson explained, emphasizing the need for a balanced representation of conflicting beliefs within the narrative. The engaging dialogue between Blanc and Jud seeks to illustrate the various perspectives on faith without pushing a specific agenda.
Crafting such a complex narrative required extensive rewriting, as Johnson aimed to strike the right tone. He remarked that the process involved “a lot of writing and rewriting and then rewriting the rewriting.” Early reviews indicate that his efforts have paid off, as the film is receiving largely positive critical reception, suggesting that audiences will resonate with its themes of forgiveness and the nature of corruption.
The anticipation surrounding Wake Up Dead Man reflects Johnson’s commitment to delivering a compelling story that challenges viewers to reflect on important societal issues. With a runtime of approximately 140 minutes, the film continues the legacy of its predecessors, offering audiences yet another immersive whodunit experience.
