Rian Johnson Unveils 'Wake Up, Dead Man': A Knives Out Mystery

Rian Johnson reveals his third 'Knives Out' movie, 'Wake Up, Dead Man', streaming on Netflix from December 12. The film follows Father Jud Duplenticy as a murder suspect, with detective Benoit Blanc solving the mystery. Johnson discusses the creative process and the importance of the film's title.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 09-12-2025 16:36 IST | Created: 09-12-2025 16:36 IST
Rian Johnson Unveils 'Wake Up, Dead Man': A Knives Out Mystery

Renowned writer and director Rian Johnson is set to release his third sequel in the 'Knives Out' series, titled 'Wake Up, Dead Man', which will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12.

This latest installment focuses on Father Jud Duplenticy, a character portrayed by Josh O'Connor, who becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation within a small, closely-knit Catholic church community. Detective Benoit Blanc, a recurring figure in the 'Knives Out' franchise and played by Daniel Craig, is tasked with unraveling the mystery.

In a conversation with Reuters, Johnson shared insights into the meticulous process of crafting the film. He emphasized the significance of a captivating yet suitable title, revealing that 'Wake Up, Dead Man' is fitting once viewers watch the movie. Johnson also discussed his strategy of writing without specific actors in mind to avoid potential casting disappointments due to scheduling conflicts. He remains focused on creating compelling characters, selecting the best cast members to bring them to life, and only moves forward with ideas he is certain will become the next project.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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