Rian Johnson: ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ Filmed on ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ Set
“Wake Up Dead Man” Shares a Set (and a Vibe) with Rick Astley’s Iconic Video
LOS ANGELES, CA – December 31, 2023 – A surprising connection has been revealed between Rian Johnson’s latest Knives Out mystery, Wake Up Dead Man, and Rick Astley’s 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give you Up.” The director himself confirmed that a set used in the Netflix film was previously featured in Astley’s famously memed music video.
The discovery was made by a sharp-eyed viewer on the BlueSky social media platform who noticed a distinctive floral window design in the film matched the backdrop of Astley’s video. Johnson responded directly, confirming the coincidence and admitting he was the only one on set actively celebrating the connection – even playing the song for a largely unenthusiastic crew.
Wake Up Dead Man, released earlier this month, stars Daniel Craig as the detective Benoit Blanc, investigating the death of Josh Brolin’s character. The film boasts a star-studded cast including josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Jeremy renner, Kerry Washington, and Andrew Scott.
The shared set piece – the floral window – is a relatively minor detail, but it’s sparked amusement among fans. the internet has long embraced “Never Gonna Give You Up” as a beloved meme, known as “Rickrolling,” where unsuspecting users are tricked into clicking a link that leads to the music video.
This is a delightful example of how seemingly disparate parts of pop culture can intersect. Rian Johnson’s acknowledgement of the connection, and his playful admission of being the sole enthusiast on set, speaks to his appreciation for the broader cultural landscape. It’s a fun Easter egg for fans and a testament to the enduring legacy of both Knives out and Rick Astley’s iconic song. The fact that a director known for intricate plotting and clever filmmaking would knowingly reuse a set from a meme-famous music video is a charming detail.
– marcusrodriguez
Here’s a look at the Knives Out film series to date:
| Film Title | Release Date | Detective benoit Blanc Actor | Streaming Platform (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knives Out | November 27, 2019 | Daniel Craig | Currently available for rent/purchase |
| Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery | December 23, 2022 | Daniel Craig | Netflix |
| Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | december 13, 2023 | Daniel Craig | Netflix |
the discovery has prompted renewed interest in both the film and the music video, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the most entertaining. you can find more details about the film’s ending here.