The creator of 'Knives Out' continues to produce thrilling mysteries. Here's his secret.

At first glance, Rian Johnson may seem like a rock music enthusiast. His first Benoit Blanc mystery, Knives Out, shared its title with a Radiohead song, and the two sequels drew their names from Beatles and U2 tracks. Yet, when immersed in writing, Johnson gravitates toward show tunes. While scripting 2019s Knives Out, he repeatedly listened to the Follies cast album. For 2022s Glass Onion, the soundtrack was Merrily We Roll Along, another Sondheim favorite. His latest Blanc mystery, Wake Up Dead Man, drew inspiration from an extensive four-hour playlist of show tunes carefully organized by mood and theme.

Johnson explains, When I was writing this, I was listening to that nonstop. The playlist includes classics from Cabaret, Sondheim staples, Golden Age musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and contemporary hits from Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, and A Strange Loop. Its all over the map, but its some good stuff, he says, smiling.

Johnsons filmography reflects this eclectic taste. His debut, Brick, drenched a high school in neo-noir, while The Brothers Bloom explored the art of storytelling. He directed three episodes of Breaking Bad, followed by the sci-fi thriller Looper, before helming Star Wars: The Last Jedi. His work consistently blends homage, innovation, and unexpected narrative choices, creating films that are both familiar and surprising.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who starred in Brick and Looper, says, He balances challenging the audience with meeting them where they are, telling a story they want to hear. Johnsons current project, Wake Up Dead Man, continues this trend, offering a gothic-horror take on a murder mystery. The story centers on the seemingly impossible death of Josh Brolins Jefferson Wicks, a domineering New York monsignor, with Daniel Craigs detective Blanc investigating a large ensemble cast of suspects, including priests, acolytes, doctors, lawyers, influencers, and musicians.

Johnson notes, Each character represents a different facet of my experience with faith. The film, releasing in theaters before arriving on Netflix on December 12, delves into themes of radicalization, greed, vengeance, forgiveness, and self-reflection, offering a blend of suspense, humor, and philosophical depth.

Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Johnson moved to Colorado and later California, growing up in a conservative Christian household. He credits his upbringing with shaping his early worldview, though his time at USC prompted him to form independent beliefs. From childhood filmmaking to reading Scorsese on Scorsese and attending Robert McKees screenwriting seminar, Johnson cultivated a storytelling foundation that drives his unique cinematic vision.

For Wake Up Dead Man, Johnson chose to explore faith and morality, crafting a murder plot within the church setting. He juxtaposes OConnors idealistic Father Jud Duplenticy against Brolins manipulative Wicks, creating a tension that mirrors Johnsons own reflections on belief and justice. Craigs Blanc represents rational justice, while Jud embodies faith-based morality, together unraveling the mystery and provoking deeper insights.

The film maintains humor, exemplified by Daryl McCormacks Cy Draven, a politically ambitious character delivering a rapid-fire monologue on modern controversies. Johnson uses these moments to comment on contemporary culture while keeping audiences engaged without alienating differing viewpoints.

Johnson describes Wake Up Dead Man as the most challenging script hes written, balancing provocative themes with accessible storytelling. His approach is marked by self-awareness, humor, and a deep commitment to narrative integrity, always prioritizing character-driven decisions over cheap surprises.

Longtime collaborators like cinematographer Steve Yedlin, editor Bob Ducsay, and actor Noah Segan remain integral to Johnsons projects. Even with polarizing films like The Last Jedi, he views filmmaking as a collaborative, familial adventure. His upcoming projects include a new paranoia thriller outside the Blanc universe and potential developments for the Poker Face series.

If audiences embrace Wake Up Dead Man, Johnson and Craig are open to continuing the Blanc saga with fresh stories and all-star casts. Johnson feels creatively reinvigorated, recognizing that these murder mysteries allow him to explore increasingly personal themes, ensuring his distinctive vision endures in future projects.

Author's Commentary: Rian Johnson's Creative Evolution

Rian Johnson's films have always been characterized by an eclectic mix of genres and influences, and his latest work, Wake Up Dead Man, continues this tradition. Known for his unexpected narrative choices and blending of homage and innovation, Johnson has built a reputation as a director who challenges both his audience and himself. His interest in music, particularly show tunes, plays a surprising but integral role in shaping the tone of his films, including this latest Benoit Blanc mystery. The use of Broadway and musical theater as creative fuel for the writing process is a testament to Johnson's multidimensional approach to storytelling.

However, while his work maintains a playful and often humorous tone, there is a deeper philosophical thread running through his recent projects. Wake Up Dead Man is not just a murder mystery; it delves into themes of faith, morality, and self-reflection, set against a gothic-horror backdrop. By juxtaposing characters who embody various facets of belief and justice, Johnson invites audiences to reflect on their own values, offering a cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The mix of suspense with philosophical depth ensures the film is more than just a traditional mystery.

For Johnson, the exploration of personal themes is becoming increasingly central to his work. Drawing from his own upbringing in a conservative Christian household and his later evolution as a filmmaker, Wake Up Dead Man serves as both a personal exploration and a broader commentary on contemporary culture. His commitment to character-driven narratives over cheap plot twists remains a hallmark of his directorial style, ensuring that each film is not only engaging but also meaningful.

As Johnson continues to expand his creative horizons, he shows no signs of slowing down. With upcoming projects that range from paranoia thrillers to potential expansions of the Poker Face series, his ability to adapt and challenge both himself and his audience ensures that his distinctive cinematic voice will remain relevant for years to come.

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