IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit 'Wake Up Dead Man' Director Rian Johnson
Dec 12, 2025
Rian Johnson, renowned for the Knives Out franchise, dives into his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man. He explores the challenging themes of religion, stemming from his own evangelical upbringing, which shape the film's narrative. Johnson reveals the balance between puzzle-solving and emotional stakes in mysteries, detailing the contrasting dynamic between characters Benoit Blanc and Judd. He also shares his journey to write faster, the importance of playful sets, and his enthusiasm for continuing the series under a new Netflix deal.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why He Chose The Impossible Crime
- Locked-door and impossible-crime puzzles constrain you to a limited set of mechanics like timelines or gadgets.
- Rian Johnson chose the form because its sense of the impossible pairs naturally with themes of faith and miracles.
Structure First, Emotion Makes Twists Work
- Spend most of your writing time structuring and planting payoffs before scripting.
- Focus on character, wants, and obstacles because emotional shape makes plot twists land.
His Personal Church Background
- Rian Johnson grew up evangelical and his faith framed his life through his early twenties.
- He no longer practices but says those experiences continue to shape his thinking and work.