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US Tech & AI

Rian Johnson doesn’t have a plan for Knives Out

By Eric November 25, 2025

**Exploring the Depths of Mystery: Rian Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’ Series Takes a Dark Turn with ‘Wake Up Dead Man’**

The beloved *Knives Out* franchise continues to evolve, showcasing its versatility with the latest installment, *Wake Up Dead Man*. Following the whimsical charm of the original set in a cozy New England estate and the sun-soaked intrigue of a sequel on a Greek island owned by a tech mogul reminiscent of Elon Musk, this third film dives into much darker themes. Directed by Rian Johnson, *Wake Up Dead Man* presents a gripping locked-door mystery that unfolds within the confines of a small-town church, probing deep into issues of faith, morality, and the divine.

Each film in the *Knives Out* series has carved its own niche, with unique storytelling styles that keep audiences engaged. Johnson emphasizes that there was no predetermined formula guiding the genre shifts; instead, he follows his instincts for each narrative. This organic approach has allowed the series to explore a broad spectrum of themes and settings, reflecting the complexities of human experience. In *Wake Up Dead Man*, the atmosphere is palpably tense, as the church setting amplifies the stakes and invites viewers to contemplate profound questions about belief and redemption. The film’s darker tone marks a significant evolution from its predecessors, showcasing Johnson’s ability to blend suspense with deeper philosophical inquiries.

As the *Knives Out* series progresses, it not only entertains but also challenges audiences to reflect on societal issues through the lens of mystery. *Wake Up Dead Man* promises to deliver a captivating narrative that intertwines thrilling plot twists with a thought-provoking exploration of faith, making it a standout addition to the franchise. With Johnson at the helm, fans can anticipate a film that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating, solidifying *Knives Out* as a multifaceted series that continues to push the boundaries of the mystery genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZk5m7wG7Jc

Three movies in,
Knives Out
is really showing its range. After starting out with
a mystery on a cozy New England estate
, followed by
a sequel set on a Greek island owned by an Elon Musk-style tech bro
, the series gets much darker with
Wake Up Dead Man
. This time, director Rian Johnson crafted a locked-door mystery set inside of a small-town church, with a story that explores issues of faith and the divine.

Each movie has had its own distinct style, but Johnson says there wasn’t a master plan to explore each of these genres one by one. “I actually think it’s very important that I just follow my instinct for each one,” he tells me. “I don’t w …

Read the full story at The Verge.

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