Father Jud from Knives Out 3: What the Boxer-Priest’s Neck Tattoo Means

On December 15, 2025, the new Benoit Blanc detective film, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” premieres, and one of the most intriguing characters is Father Jud Duplantier, played by Josh O’Connor. This modern priest, standing at the epicenter of a dark investigation, possesses not only deep faith but also a very noticeable mark of his turbulent past—a tattoo on his neck.

Unlike the traditional image of a man of the cloth, Jud is a figure of contrasts. Actor Josh O’Connor describes his character as something “honest and substantial,” comparing him to a rich Irish stew or hot chicken soup—food that gives strength and warms. However, behind this outwardly warm exterior lies a tragedy. Before donning the clerical collar, Jud was a boxer, and his career ended after he unintentionally killed his opponent in the ring. It is this dark past, which he does not try to hide, that makes him one of the most layered characters in the franchise.

The Tattoo as a Manifesto: Angel, Devil, and “Serendipity”

For tattoo culture, a neck tattoo has always been a bold statement, a mark that cannot be hidden, a symbol of full acceptance of one’s lifestyle or past. For Father Jud, this tattoo serves exactly that function, peeking out from under his strict vestments. It is not just a design; it is a visual narrative of his internal struggle, which he carries like a cross.

Josh O’Connor revealed what exactly is depicted on his character: “It was a tattoo with a devil and an angel. And underneath them was the inscription: Serendipity.”

Director Rian Johnson and O’Connor discussed this element of body art at length. The tattoo, visible behind the dog collar, perfectly underscores the main theme of the film: the attempt to reconcile holiness and sin.

• Devil and Angel: A classic motif of duality. In Jud’s context, it is not a struggle between good and evil, but rather the acceptance that violence and anger (the Devil) are a natural part of his personality that coexists with his desire for forgiveness and service (the Angel). This reflects his honesty: “He has this uncomfortable part, this natural violence bubbling inside,” says O’Connor.
• “Serendipity” (Happy Accident/Insight): This inscription lends philosophical depth to the tattoo. Jud knows that his boxing tragedy was not an accident—he consciously pushed his opponent to the limit and killed him. However, despite this heavy sense of guilt, he finds God’s love. “Serendipity” here might mean accepting a fateful path and that something good (his ministry) can grow even from the most terrible mistake. He does not hide his anger but transforms it.

From Fists to Faith: The Principles of Father Jud

When Benoit Blanc first meets Jud, he asks, “Are you open?” The question concerns not only the church, which is the crime scene, but also the priest’s spirit. Jud’s answer, “Always,” defines his philosophy.

Father Jud’s principles sharply contrast with the dogmatism of his late predecessor, Monsignor Jefferson Weeks (Josh Brolin), who preached exclusion and condemnation. Jud believes in a God who sees your flaws and still chooses to love them.

“Father Jud’s principles are connected to forgiveness, doubt, and uncertainty,” explains O’Connor. “We often see religious beliefs as very regulated, but I don’t think that’s necessary. We can be open and understand that people have different beliefs.”

His strength lies in accepting his inner danger and choosing the path of humility. He punches a punching bag instead of people, forgives those who betray him, and buys snacks for his tormentors. As film editor Bob Duxay noted, Father Jud points to a faith and spirituality that heals and inspires.

The Act of Ultimate Forgiveness

The culmination of Jud’s principles arrives in the finale when the identity of the killer is revealed—pious parishioner Marta Delacroix (Glenn Close). Marta, deciding to die for her sins, takes a lethal dose of the tranquilizer she used to kill Weeks. Jud could have refused her absolution, considering she was ready to frame him and had previously indirectly caused the death of a vulnerable woman (Grace Weeks).

However, at the most crucial moment, Jud accepts her confession and administers the last rites. “This scene reflects Jud’s principles—and I share them. It’s his attempt to understand her,” says O’Connor. “It doesn’t mean he has to agree with her. It’s easiest to point fingers. But a lot can be said for trying to understand someone’s truth or psyche. If we did that a little more often, it might solve some of our problems.”

Forgiveness liberates Jud. In the finale, he directs his “bubbling physical energy” not toward an enemy, but toward creation: he uses a hammer and carpentry tools to create a beautiful, handmade cross. He stays to manage the church, renaming it “Our Lady of Perpetual Grace” in memory of the late Miss Weeks. The angel on his shoulder, or rather, on his neck, would certainly be proud of this choice.