Rian Johnson shares how a meal with 6 Catholic priests influenced his latest film "Wake Up Dead Man"

Rian Johnson revealed that a dinner with six Catholic priests had a significant impact on the development of his new film, Wake Up Dead Man, which follows in the vein of his acclaimed Knives Out series.

Johnson explained, The movie, in many ways, explores the art of storytelling. The Catholic Church excels at creating striking visual narratives, and its use of symbolism and sacraments is unparalleled compared to the Presbyterian background I grew up with.

He shared that the filmmaking process led him through a million small shifts in how he viewed religion. I didnt convert by the end of it, he laughed. But in 2025, I find myself drawn to the positive aspects of faiththe lessons I appreciated during that time. Concepts like loving your enemy, the heart of a servant, and meeting people where they are suddenly feel profoundly relevant. Not as a return to belief, but as powerful ideas worth embracing.

Wake Up Dead Man is currently available in select theaters and is streaming on Netflix.

Sources:

• Rian Johnson reveals how a dinner with 6 Catholic priests shaped his new “Knives Out” movie, “Wake Up Dead Man”

Author: Logan Reeves
Logan Reeves is a sports analyst and journalist. He writes match reviews, conducts athlete interviews, and produces data-driven predictions.