5 Questions for Rian Johnson about the Christian Themes in ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’

The writer and director of the newest Knives Out movie is a filmmaker who considers himself a former Christian – and who says the story’s faith-laden themes were shaped by his own spiritual journey.Rian Johnson is best known as the writer and director of all three Knives Out films, as well as the Star Wars film The Last Jedi.His latest entry, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, debuts on Netflix Dec. 12 and centers on a seemingly impossible murder inside a Catholic church – and Benoit Blanc’s search for the truth behind it.In the movie, Blanc (Daniel Craig) is portrayed as skeptical of all things faith-related, while the church’s leader, Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor), stands as a devout and steady counterpoint. It’s rated PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, strong language, some crude sexual material, and smoking.Crosswalk recently spoke with Johnson about the film’s faith themes. Below is a transcript, edited for clarity.Photo Credit: ©Netflix