Rian Johnson’s upcoming film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, will introduce a darker and more gothic tone compared to previous entries, setting the stage in a quiet New England town this time. Detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, faces a case rooted in the local religious community, which pushes his investigative skills to new limits. This fresh installment diverges noticeably from the tropical mystery of Glass Onion and the earlier family-centered intrigue of the original Knives Out, promising a unique narrative experience.
An Unconventional Murder Challenges Faith and Reason
The forthcoming movie centers on a baffling murder surrounded by a church parish, with all suspects tied closely to the congregation. Johnson draws inspiration from classic literary mysteries, such as G. K. Chesterton’s Father Brown stories and the complex puzzles crafted by John Dickson Carr, blending supernatural implications with rational deduction. Blanc initially approaches the investigation with his usual confidence but soon encounters a crime presented as nearly impossible—even miraculous in nature.
“It’s centred around the church, and all the suspects are regulars in the parish,”
—Rian Johnson, Writer-Director
“Blanc is seeing it as, ‘It’s just a murder, I can solve this.’ The way the murder presents itself is the opposite of that,”
—Rian Johnson, Writer-Director
“It’s framed as an impossible thing that could never have happened, almost miraculous in nature. And Blanc as the rationalist is coming in to do what he does, and prove that wrong.”
—Rian Johnson, Writer-Director
New Alliances and Personal Challenges for Benoit Blanc
This time, Benoit Blanc is not the sole lead in pursuing clues. He joins forces with Josh O’Connor’s Father Jud, a character deeply entwined with the religious setting and mystery. Johnson reveals that the film focuses heavily on Jud’s personal journey alongside Blanc’s own transformation. Unlike previous films where Blanc worked with Ana de Armas‘ Marta or Janelle Monáe’s Helen, this partnership signifies a new dynamic and deeper emotional stakes for the detective.
“He ends up partnering with Blanc on solving this mystery; it’s very much [Jud’s] journey,”
—Rian Johnson, Writer-Director
“He has the biggest personal journey in this one. Benoit has to engage with [the mystery] in a different way. He’s in a very different place than in the previous two films. Daniel and I had a lot of fun thinking about where Blanc is at in his life. And I think he’s going through some shit!”
—Rian Johnson, Writer-Director
This points to a more introspective and complex portrayal of Blanc, as he navigates both the eerie case and his own inner struggles, setting the tone for a more intense narrative.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Film and Streaming Release
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 8 before becoming available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12. The film’s religious and gothic mystery themes mark a bold creative shift in the franchise, underscoring Rian Johnson’s commitment to reinventing the detective genre with each installment. Fans and new viewers alike can expect a layered mystery that tests faith, reason, and the very nature of belief.
