One Key Way Rian Johnson Says Knives Out 3 Is Different From The First Two Movies (And I’m So Excited)

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Rian Johnson’s mystery movies featuring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc are inspired by classic whodunits, particularly those written by Agatha Christie. However, films like *Knives Out* and *Glass Onion* aren’t simple retreads; they both offer fresh and unexpected takes on the traditional mystery formula.

I’m a big fan of classic murder mysteries, and I’ve enjoyed how Rian Johnson’s previous films have put a fresh spin on the genre. However, part of what makes these mysteries so appealing are the familiar tropes. That’s why I’m excited to hear that his new film, *Wake Up Dead Man*, will be both darker and more of a traditional whodunit than his previous work. In a recent interview with Deadline, Johnson explained…

The movie follows a classic murder mystery format, similar to many Agatha Christie novels. We’re introduced to the potential suspects and the main character – who isn’t the investigator – before the murder takes place and the detective arrives on the scene.

The way *Wake Up Dead Man* is structured is very similar to *Knives Out*. Like that film, the main character in *Wake Up Dead Man* is at the center of things from the beginning, with a detective arriving after a crime has already occurred. In *Knives Out*, the big surprise was that the main character appeared to be the killer for most of the story.

Josh O’Connor will play the lead role in the film. The trailer for *Wake Up Dead Man* suggests he’ll be working alongside Craig’s character, Benoit Blanc, as a kind of assistant.

I loved how *Knives Out* and *Glass Onion* kept us guessing, but also gave us enough clues to really play along with the mystery. I’ve heard the new movie, *Wake Up Dead Man*, might be a bit different – more of a classic whodunnit. If it doesn’t give us that same level of upfront information like the others, it sounds like we’re in for a pretty straightforward, but hopefully still fun, murder mystery experience. Basically, I’m hoping for a good old-fashioned puzzle!

I really enjoy Rian Johnson’s unique approach to mysteries, but I’ve always hoped for a more classic whodunit with Benoit Blanc. I’d love to be given the same clues as the detective and try to solve the case alongside him – something the previous movies haven’t really allowed. If this is the last Benoit Blanc film, it would be fantastic if it delivered a truly traditional mystery, letting the audience actually play detective and potentially solve it before he does.

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2025-10-15 03:08