Knives Out 3’s Andrew Scott explains why Catholic Church is the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery

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Following the settings of his previous mystery films – a comfortable mansion and a luxurious private island – Rian Johnson’s newest Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man, takes place in a Catholic church, offering a distinctly different atmosphere.

In the film, Daniel Craig plays detective Benoit Blanc, who is called upon to investigate the death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (played by Josh Brolin). He’s assisted in the case by the unconventional and modern priest, Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), who becomes Blanc’s main ally.

Johnson has always included a bit of social commentary in his mystery novels, and this one is no exception.

The film thoughtfully explores how faith is understood today, including how it’s sometimes been used to justify political actions. It also creatively incorporates religious symbols and visuals throughout.

He said the story is a fantastic idea for a movie. It combines a classic murder mystery with the more complex, internal mysteries of the Catholic Church – a topic he and his co-star, Daryl McCormack, both understand well, having grown up in Catholic Ireland.

He described being on set as “incredibly beautiful,” and explained that religious imagery and the questions it raises naturally lend themselves to dramatic storytelling.

He explained that the question of what happens after death is fundamental to faith and inherently mysterious. He added that this mystery connects perfectly with the core of a ‘whodunnit’ story.

McCormack, who plays Cy Draven – a character who starts as a hopeful politician but falls into internet conspiracy theories – also said he appreciated how deeply personal the film was for Johnson. He particularly liked how it examined various forms of belief and faith.

The character I play has twisted his religious beliefs to serve his own ambitions, and he almost wants people to question how sincere his faith really is. It’s ironic because he’s motivated by things like fear, the desire for power, and greed – qualities that are the opposite of what Christianity teaches. I found that contrast really compelling to explore.

What’s really interesting is how faith—a concept that’s inherently difficult to prove—plays a role in this third movie.

Scott and McCormack weren’t the only actors interested in the story’s religious themes. Mila Kunis, who plays police chief Geraldine Scott, would have enjoyed being in a Knives Out movie regardless of the plot, but she was particularly drawn to this one’s unique setting.

I remember meeting Rian for breakfast before I knew anything about the film. I immediately told him I was in, and he insisted I read the script first.

I immediately asked for any details at all – the setting, the world, anything he could tell me. When he said it would be about the Catholic Church, I was instantly hooked! I was incredibly enthusiastic and wanted to be involved no matter what. I found the idea completely fascinating.

Cailee Spaeny shared that it made perfect sense why her character, Simone Vivane – a talented cellist before her transformation – found solace in the intense, fire-and-brimstone version of Christianity preached by Monsignor Wicks.

I connected with her easily,” she explained. “Because I was raised religiously, I recognized Rian’s journey. I understood her struggles, why she was drawn to the group, what she hoped to gain, and the questions she had – it all felt familiar and logical to me.

As a film fan, I’m really struck by how cleverly Rian Johnson is weaving another murder mystery. It’s classic Rian to throw something unexpected like this into the mix, and what I appreciate most is the genuine heart and humanity he brings to his work.

I believe this movie is fundamentally about understanding, connection, and offering each other grace – a surprisingly heartwarming message.

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2025-12-09 19:35