Rian Johnson Reveals Why The Third Benoit Blanc Mystery Changed Course

Director Rian Johnson is opening up about the creative decisions behind his latest whodunit, ‘Wake Up Dead Man’. After the massive success of the first two films in the franchise, audiences might have expected the series to continue escalating in scale and spectacle. However, Johnson deliberately chose a different path for the third installment, aiming to subvert the expectations set by the previous entry. Speaking about the trajectory of the series, the filmmaker explained that he never intended for the movies to simply become larger and more glamorous with each chapter.

The shift in tone is immediately apparent when comparing the films. While ‘Glass Onion’ took viewers to a sun-soaked, extravagant private island in Greece with a circle of wealthy disruptors, the new film pulls back the curtain on a much more intimate setting. ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ transports Daniel Craig’s gentleman detective, Benoit Blanc, to a small, grounded community in upstate New York. Johnson noted that he wanted to avoid a pattern where fans would assume every sequel would be a “big, glamorous destination.” Instead, he sought to give this specific mystery a distinct identity that feels completely separate from what came before.

Johnson emphasized that the longevity of the franchise depends on this variety. He expressed a desire to ensure that he isn’t just “turning the crank” or making the same movie over and over again. By grounding the third film and adopting a darker, somewhat Gothic tone, he hopes to keep the experience fresh for both himself and the audience. The director compared the process to eating lunch, noting that even if you love a certain meal, having it every day for years eventually becomes stale. This philosophy of “burning the ship” after each project allows the creative team to approach every new mystery with a blank slate.

The film features a sprawling ensemble cast that rivals the star power of the previous entries. Alongside Craig, the movie stars Josh O’Connor as a priest, Father Jud, who becomes central to the plot, as well as screen legends like Glenn Close and Josh Brolin. The supporting cast also includes Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, and Cailee Spaeny. Johnson described the film as exploring themes of faith and religion, adding a layer of thematic weight that distinguishes it from the satire of wealth seen in ‘Glass Onion’.

With ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ now available to audiences, the ‘Knives Out’ saga has proven it can thrive in any genre sandbox Johnson chooses to play in. The director’s commitment to reinvention suggests that if Benoit Blanc returns for a fourth case, it will likely be something entirely unexpected once again. By refusing to rest on the laurels of his previous successes, Johnson aims to maintain the element of surprise that defines the mystery genre itself.

What do you think about the darker, more grounded direction for this third movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.