Rian Johnson & Josh O’Connor on 'Wake Up Dead Man': Building the Next 'Knives Out' Mystery

“Wake Up Dead Man”, the third installment in the Knives Out universe, reunites audiences with the legendary detective Benoit Blanc in a gripping murder mystery set inside a New York church. In this exclusive Deadline interview, writer-director Ryan Johnson, actor Josh O’Connor, and producer Rian Bergman discuss how they crafted the story, blended humor with suspense, and explored themes of faith, morality, and society in 2025 America. From casting choices to physical performances, and even filming London locations as Upstate New York, they reveal the behind-the-scenes magic that brings this murder mystery to life. Learn how Daniel Craig’s collaboration influenced the film’s physicality, what inspired the title Wake Up Dead Man, and how the Knives Out team continues to reinvent the classic whodunit for a modern audience. Connect with Deadline online!   / deadline     / deadline     / deadline