Rian Johnson and Josh O’Connor Explore Faith in “Knives Out 3”
Director Rian Johnson and actor Josh O’Connor are diving deep into themes of faith and morality in their upcoming film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Set to release on November 26, 2025, this installment of the popular series shifts focus from the wealthy elite to the complexities of belief and guilt, as it explores a murder mystery within a close-knit village parish.
In this latest chapter, Daniel Craig reprises his role as the astute detective Benoit Blanc, who joins forces with O’Connor’s character, the well-meaning young reverend Jud Duplenticy. Together, they seek to clear Jud’s name in the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a case that presents itself as the ultimate “impossible crime.” The narrative not only centers on the murder mystery but also raises profound questions about faith. The film examines the philosophical divide between believers and skeptics, probing what it means to have faith in a world filled with uncertainty.
Johnson’s inspiration for this story stems from his own experiences with faith. During an interview with Todd Gilchrist from ScreenRant, he shared, “I was very Christian when I was younger; I’m not a believer anymore. And so, I have both of those people inside me.” This internal conflict enriches the dynamic between Jud and Blanc, creating a dialogue that reflects Johnson’s personal journey with belief.
The film’s narrative complexity is enhanced as both Jud and Blanc confront their beliefs. The journey allows them to understand each other better, ultimately challenging and expanding their perspectives on faith. Johnson describes writing these scenes as “the best-case scenario for a writer,” allowing him to engage in a conversation with different parts of himself.
O’Connor, who has his own background in faith, recalls their initial discussions about the film’s theological questions. Having grown up in an Irish Catholic environment, he expresses, “I really do have faith. I just don’t know where to put it, or what it’s for.” His character, Jud, serves as a vessel through which O’Connor explores these themes, emphasizing how acting can lead to personal insights. “You do learn things from a character, and the great privilege of being an actor is that you’re collecting these souls and learning things from them,” he noted.
The ensemble cast also features notable actors such as Glenn Close as the devoted Martha Delacroix, Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp, and Kerry Washington as the bitter lawyer Vera Draven. Each character brings their own unique relationship with faith, contributing to the film’s exploration of belief and morality. The dynamic between the detective and the reverend is particularly significant, as it reflects the movie’s central theme of reconciling differing worldviews.
As the story unfolds, Jud and Blanc face not only the challenge of solving the murder but also the resistance of Monsignor Wicks’ zealous followers. Their journey through this village parish becomes a microcosm of larger societal debates about faith and doubt.
With its blend of mystery and introspection, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the series, inviting audiences to engage in the deep questions of belief, morality, and the human experience. As anticipation builds for its release, fans can look forward to a narrative that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, further solidifying Johnson’s reputation as a filmmaker who pushes boundaries in genre storytelling.
