Actor Glen Powell will portray Ben Richards in the upcoming dystopian black comedy action movie The Running Man. Set in a deadly game show environment, the film follows contestants who must outrun professional killers to survive and claim a massive cash prize. Powell revealed that his mother, Cyndy, is quite concerned about the number of stunts he performs for this role.
The story, originally popularized in the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, presents a high-stakes chase where survival seems impossible. Powell noted,
I’m getting to do some really cool stuff and that really worries my mom,
highlighting the physical intensity involved with his character. Since his role requires extensive running, Powell admitted he expected a challenging experience, saying,
‘Man, I’m gonna get my ass kicked for two hours in this movie’.
The Underdog Narrative at the Heart of the Film
Powell described the central plot as one of an underdog trying to survive the deadliest game show ever created.
You have a guy that’s basically on the run, at the highest stakes game show of all time, where the survival rate is zero, and he’s trying to beat the odds. It’s a great underdog story,
he explained, emphasizing the tension and desperation that drives his character.
A Connection to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Positive Support
Beyond his own performance, Powell expressed excitement about receiving support from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the original star of The Running Man. Powell shared,
His son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, is a great friend of mine, and I asked Patrick if I could talk to Arnold, and I hadn’t seen Arnold since we shot Expendables in Bulgaria,
recounting how he reconnected with the veteran actor. He added,
Arnold gave us his full blessing, and we get to give Arnold a very specific fun gift from the film in a couple of weeks here. So I’m very excited to see him,
signaling a respectful nod to the legacy of the original movie.
Film Details, Cast, and Release Information
The Running Man is directed by Edgar Wright, with a screenplay adaptation by Wright and Michael Bacall based on Stephen King‘s dystopian novel of the same name. The film features Josh Brolin as the show’s producer, Colman Domingo as the host, and a supporting cast including Katy O’Brian, Michael Cera, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, and Lee Pace. This project marks another leading role for Powell following his appearances in 2023’s Anyone but You and 2024’s Twisters and Hit Man.
Powell recently spoke about his journey, mentioning how he failed an audition for a lead role in Top Gun: Maverick, only to be brought back by Tom Cruise for a supporting part. The Running Man is scheduled for theatrical release on November 7, drawing anticipation from audiences eager to see Powell perform in this physically demanding and suspenseful role.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Glen Powell a Nepo baby?
A. Discussion. Move over, nepo babies—Glen Powell’s parents are the original “nepo parents.”
Q. Are Tom Cruise and Glen Powell friends?
A. Glen Powell sees Tom Cruise as an amazing teacher. The 36-year-old actor worked with Tom, 62, in the action movie “Top Gun: Maverick” from 2022. Glen acknowledges that his connection with the film star has significantly contributed to his recent achievements in Hollywood.
Q. Is Glen Powell a Nepo?
A. Glen Powell’s mother and father are the first known Nepo Parents to be featured in these famous movies.
Q. Why did Tom Cruise pay for Glen Powell?
A. On Tuesday, 31-year-old Powell announced on Instagram that he had earned his pilot’s license. Cruise had gifted him flight school for Christmas. In the post, Powell included a video showing him celebrating with his instructor after completing his first solo flight.
