Rian Johnson on How 'Wake Up Dead Man' Promotes Civility in a Divided Culture

Director Rian Johnson shares how Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery was shaped by his own spiritual journey—from growing up evangelical to walking away from faith.

from GodTube.com and Michael Foust

Updated Jan 28, 2026

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Director Rian Johnson (Knives Out, The Last Jedi) opens up about how Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (PG-13) explores civility in a divided culture through the unlikely relationship between a skeptical detective and a kind-hearted priest. He reflects on growing up evangelical, walking away from his faith, and why those experiences shaped the film’s most emotional scenes. Johnson explains why it mattered to him that the characters disagree deeply yet still learn from each other and grow. He also shares what’s next for Benoit Blanc and the future of the Knives Out franchise.

This video originally appeared on GodTube.com

Originally published January 28, 2026.

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

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