UPDATE: In a stunning revelation, director Rian Johnson has confirmed that his upcoming film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, was significantly more challenging to write than his acclaimed entry in the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Johnson shared the difficulties he faced while crafting this latest installment in the beloved whodunit series.
The film is set to premiere on November 26, 2025, and brings back Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc. Johnson stated that the film’s themes surrounding faith and religion presented unique challenges, making this his toughest project to date. “This was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever written – not just of these movies, but ever,” he revealed.
The narrative centers on Father Jud, a new priest who embodies a loving approach to Christianity. However, he finds himself embroiled in a dark mystery when his superior, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, is murdered in a seemingly impossible way. As the prime suspect, Father Jud must navigate the complexities of faith while Blanc investigates, unearthing corruption among Wicks’ followers.
Johnson emphasized that he wanted the film to tackle a multifaceted conversation about faith without being didactic. “I wanted the movie to genuinely come at this topic and not just tiptoe around it,” he explained, highlighting the emotional gravity of the subject matter.
The director also noted that while the puzzle-building aspect of writing these mysteries has become second nature, the deeper themes made this project especially taxing. “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,” he added.
Fans eagerly await this new chapter in the Knives Out franchise, which promises to delve into significant moral issues while delivering the thrilling twists audiences have come to love.
As anticipation builds, Wake Up Dead Man is set to explore what it means to let go of hate and embrace forgiveness, making it a timely addition to the cinematic landscape. Mark your calendars for this must-see film that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling in the murder mystery genre.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date!
