Colman Domingo, star of the highly anticipated film The Running Man, recently described his experience working on director Edgar Wright’s project as an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. Speaking ahead of the movie’s release, Domingo emphasized how the film’s intense and unpredictable nature makes it a major event for cinema audiences everywhere. His insight offers a glimpse into what fans can expect from this adaptation of the Stephen King novel, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.
The Story Behind The Running Man’s Dystopian Thriller
Based on the novel by Stephen King, The Running Man follows Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell), an unemployed construction worker forced to enter a deadly game show to afford treatment for his sick infant daughter. The dystopian backdrop portrays a harsh America where the desperate compete in a violent reality series, hoping to survive against all odds. Domingo plays Bobby Thompson, known as Bobby T., the charismatic and manipulative host of this brutal television program. His character stands at the center of the nation’s most-watched show, embodying both charm and ruthlessness.
Domingo’s Unique Role as the Game Show Host
Domingo remarked on how distinct his role felt compared to others on set, explaining,
“I totally was in a whole different film than anyone else. Completely,”
and added,
“I’m seen only through the free TV, which I think is very cool.”
His scenes are primarily set within the game show’s confines, highlighting Bobby T.’s dominance as the face of the program. Unlike the other characters, Bobby’s personal life remains unexplored, focusing solely on his public persona as a master manipulator who enchants the studio audience and guests alike.
Drawing Inspiration from Jerry Springer’s Hosting Style
Preparing for the role proved challenging for Domingo because of the limited backstory provided about Bobby T. However, a turning point came when he watched the recent two-part documentary on Jerry Springer just the night before filming. Domingo reflected,
“Literally the night before I went to set, they released the Jerry Springer two-part documentary, and I sat up and watched it, and I thought, whoa, whoa, this is incredible,”
and continued,
“What I love is the idea that Jerry Springer as a host was sort of inciting and letting people — knowing the ills of our society — letting the people do what they need to do on a platform and really let them engage in the worst behavior and still feel like he had nothing to do with it. He’s just there moving the show along. I felt like, what an interesting strategic way to abstain from any responsibility of what happens on that set.”
This understanding helped Domingo to shape Bobby T. as a figure who both provokes and maintains a calculated detachment from the chaos he broadcasts.
Crafting the Persona of the Most Famous TV Host
From that foundation, Domingo developed Bobby T. as someone who is endlessly scheming to keep his audience hooked by pushing boundaries further than ever imagined. He described the character’s mindset:
“He’s thinking, what next? What will people tune into next that is the most horrific thing that we can’t even imagine? He helps incite that, and really riles people up, and that’s who he is. He’s also very stylish, and I like to believe that he is the guy that guys want to be like him, and girls fall in love with him.”
Domingo credited director Edgar Wright and the costume design team for perfecting Bobby’s glamorous and meticulously crafted appearance, which features designer clothing, fine jewels, and luxury watches, reinforcing his impeccable and show-stopping public image.
Blending Theatrical Roots with Bobby T.’s Flair
Domingo admitted that his own flair and experience contributed to the role’s dramatic presence. He said with laughter,
“Maybe it made sense for Edgar to cast me because I think he knew I could possibly pull it off,”
and added,
“What I did bring into it is my sense of theatricality. I feel like I went straight into my theater roots of being able to hold an audience.”
This theatricality helps Bobby T. dominate every scene, commanding attention both on and off camera.
Anticipation for a Groundbreaking Cinematic Experience
The movie also features a strong ensemble cast including Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Katy O’Brian, Emilia Jones, and Michael Cera. Domingo expressed confidence that the film would captivate viewers with its shifting narrative and stunning visual storytelling. He teased,
“The story will keep shifting in front of your eyes and you might not even believe what you’re actually seeing. It’s really cool,”
and predicted,
“I think that we long for huge events in our cinemas these days, and I feel like this one is going to be a massive event in our cinemas.”
What Lies Ahead for The Running Man
With its dystopian themes, high stakes, and innovative direction by Edgar Wright, The Running Man promises to deliver a gripping, intense cinematic adventure that explores societal desperation and media spectacle. Colman Domingo’s role as Bobby T., inspired by real-life talk show dynamics, adds a fascinating layer to this dystopian narrative. As audiences prepare for this thrilling ride, the film is poised to become a significant cultural moment, captivating viewers with its unpredictable twists and powerful performances.
