Rian Johnson has developed a unique method when it comes to Rian Johnson murder mystery writing, as revealed in his recent discussion about the next Knives Out film. Rather than starting his plots with the whodunit solution, Johnson focuses first on basic story elements and character motivations, a process that shapes his highly anticipated mysteries.
Rian Johnson’s Creative Start With Mysteries
When asked about his creative process, Johnson made clear that he resists diving into the typical murder mystery mechanics until the very last moment. Rather than plotting murder details from the outset, he begins by considering the basic framework and the essential motivations that drive his characters.
“I avoid writing [the murder mystery part] until I can’t anymore, most glibly,”
Rian Johnson, writer-director, shared with laughter during his recent interview. He elaborated that he doesn’t focus initially on how the story starts or ends but instead steps back to examine fundamental elements such as protagonist identity, their desires, and the obstacles they face. For Wake Up Dead Man, the third installment in his Knives Out franchise, he specifically wanted to craft a classic locked-door scenario before pinning down the final reveal.
Johnson compares building a mystery to solving a puzzle, but stresses that what truly sustains an audience’s interest is the underlying journey and meaning behind the film.
“You kind of build the mystery around that, because the mystery you can kind of construct like a crossword puzzle – but the basic line of what the movie is about is what’s actually going to support it for an audience,”
Johnson concludes.
Benoit Blanc Faces a Complex New Case
Wake Up Dead Man shifts the familiar Knives Out formula from the sunlit Greek island of Glass Onion to the shadowy confines of a parish church in upstate New York. This upcoming film sees the return of Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, who tackles a significantly more tangled and high-stakes case than before. The narrative draws inspiration from classic mystery writers John Dickson Carr, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe, grounding itself in deep tradition while offering fresh takes on the genre.
The central conflict revolves around Josh O’Connor’s character, Jud Duplenticy. A former boxer turned priest, Jud finds himself transferred to a quiet town after a serious confrontation with a superior. He soon clashes with Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, whose harsh methods cause tension within their community. Jud’s open criticism of Monsignor Wicks has made him an immediate suspect when Wicks is discovered dead under puzzling circumstances. Forced to clear his name, Jud must work alongside Blanc, who is notably skeptical about faith, to unearth the real story behind the crime.
Exploring Faith, Doubt, and Moral Complexity
Religion plays a critical role in the backdrop and character arcs of the film.
“I think what’s so interesting about religion, generally, is that it’s so easily interpreted in different ways – and can be so easily corrupted,”
explained Josh O’Connor, who portrays Jud Duplenticy. O’Connor said that much of Jud’s emotional journey was present in the script from the start, and he felt personally connected to the role.
“I felt I really recognized that turmoil and I saw a lacking of that kind of a story right now, in a time where I felt like we really need it. The beauty of Jud is that he doesn’t… know, and a lot of the time he’s questioning things,”
O’Connor continued. He contrasted Jud’s inner struggles with the certainty of Monsignor Wick, played by Josh Brolin, noting,
“Josh Brolin’s character, Monsignor Wick, is much more certain about his views. There’s something very interesting about playing a character who questions everything; it’s a really good opening to approaching a role.”
This dynamic creates ongoing tension and personal dilemmas, with the investigation into Monsignor Wicks’ death threading through larger themes of faith, skepticism, and moral ambiguity. The plot provides a nuanced look at the conflicts within religious communities and the individuals caught between belief and doubt.
An Ensemble Cast Tackles Social Issues
Wake Up Dead Man features a rich collection of complex supporting characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. Glenn Close portrays Martha Delacroix, a devout zealot whose rigid faith heavily influences the town’s culture. Andrew Scott takes on the role of Lee Ross, a reclusive science fiction writer whose perspective provides a contrasting worldview. Daryl McCormack appears as Cy Draven, a privileged influencer-turned-aspiring politician whose ambitions generate friction among the locals.
The film delves not only into the murder mystery itself but also examines the darker corners of social interaction and community, highlighting flawed individuals striving to make sense of moral complexities.
“The magic of these films is that [Rian’s] always tackling real-life situations, and they have that social relevancy,”
says Daryl McCormack, who plays Cy Draven. He added,
“There’s plenty to just draw from in our current kind of world but I think, for me, when it comes to playing someone you might not inherently understand, you always have to find a doorway of empathy. Ultimately you have to try and not judge them and some of these characters are difficult not to judge.”
Release Date and Anticipated Impact
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will debut in theaters on November 26 and will be available globally on Netflix beginning December 12. As Johnson continues to redefine Rian Johnson murder mystery writing, audiences can expect a film that challenges conventions, explores nuanced themes, and features performances from standout actors like Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, and Daryl McCormack. The combination of a deeply layered story and rich character exploration is likely to resonate with fans of the genre and those interested in stories that probe the boundaries between conviction and doubt.
