Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix, and director Rian Johnson has finally addressed a subtle yet pointed Star Wars joke embedded in the film.
The third installment in the beloved whodunit series follows renowned detective Benoit Blanc, once again portrayed by Daniel Craig, as he tackles his most dangerous and introspective case yet. Set against the backdrop of a small-town church with a dark history, the story revolves around the seemingly impossible murder of a charismatic priest, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest, Father Jud (Josh O'Connor), to unravel a locked-door mystery that explores themes of faith, hypocrisy, and community manipulation.
The joke arises during a tense conversation involving suspect Cy Draven, a right-wing influencer and aspiring politician played by Daryl McCormack. As Cy discusses his ambitions to join his illegitimate father, Monsignor Wicks, in expanding a vast and powerful empire—potentially funded by a hidden church treasure—he earnestly likens his role to that of the heroic Rebellion in Star Wars. This comparison elicits a look of evident surprise from Father Jud. The scene subtly satirizes individuals with conservative leanings who identify as underdog rebels, despite holding positions of power that more closely resemble the authoritarian Empire.
"I couldn’t resist," he told Polygon. "The ultimate joke of that moment, that everyone thinks they're the Rebels, I think is very apropos today."
Johnson elaborated on his approach to incorporating contemporary elements into his mysteries. "You just have to be instinctual about it. On the one hand, I like that these movies are unapologetically set in the present moment. That's a feature and not a bug. On the other hand, you don't want to get annoying about it, so it's a little bit of just trusting your ear."
This timely gag fits seamlessly into the Knives Out franchise's tradition of sharp social commentary. From the original film's skewering of entitled wealth to Glass Onion's takedowns of tech billionaires, Johnson's stories have always woven in critiques of modern ideologies and politics. In Wake Up Dead Man, the religious setting amplifies these elements, using the church community as a microcosm for broader societal issues, including how power structures distort personal beliefs.
Reflecting deeper on the cultural resonance of Star Wars, Johnson shared personal insights. "Anyone who grew up with Star Wars deeply rooted in their childhood –it’s almost a cliché to say it feels like a religion. That can be used to cut both ways. But for me, there is something very fundamental about it. It's a fundamental myth that we grew up with, from childhood. I grew up very Christian, so when I was a kid, I was parsing Star Wars through my faith and through my Christianity. It's all tied up in that. Very naturally, if I'm telling that story, it's going to be filtered through the values I grew up with."
These connections extend beyond the joke, as Wake Up Dead Man shares thematic overlaps with Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, particularly in examining how institutions—like religion or the Jedi Order—can become mired in tradition, judgment, and charismatic leadership, often at the expense of core principles.
The film marks a tonal shift for the series, leaning into gothic horror influences while retaining Johnson's signature wit and intricate plotting. Premiering at festivals earlier this year before a limited theatrical run, it has been praised for its soulful exploration of faith and standout performances.
The film features Daniel Craig reprising his role as detective Benoit Blanc, alongside an ensemble cast including Josh O'Connor as Father Jud, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
Fans can catch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery now streaming on Netflix
