Glen Powell shares his excitement about portraying an action hero in the upcoming film The Running Man, highlighting the intense training and stunts he undertook. The film, directed by Edgar Wright, adapts Stephen King’s 1982 dystopian novel and will be released by Paramount on November 14.
The Dystopian Premise of The Running Man
Set in a near-future society, the story centers on The Running Man, a highly popular televised competition where contestants, called Runners, must survive for 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. Each contestant’s every move is broadcast live to audiences eager for violent entertainment, with rewards escalating daily as contestants stay alive.
Ben Richards’ Fight for Survival and Family
The protagonist, Ben Richards, is a working-class father driven by desperation to save his ill daughter. He is persuaded by the show’s charismatic yet merciless producer to participate in the deadly contest. Despite the odds, Ben’s resourcefulness and determination win over viewers, making him a prominent threat to the show’s controlling powers. As his popularity surges, so does the danger he faces from both his pursuers and a nation captivated by his struggle.
Ensemble Cast and Creative Team Behind the Film
Alongside Glen Powell, the film features performances by William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. Edgar Wright co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall and serves as producer alongside Nira Park and Simon Kinberg. Wright’s previous works include Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, while producers bring experience from titles such as Baby Driver, Deadpool, and The Martian.
Legacy of The Running Man Adaptations
The film follows an earlier adaptation released in 1987, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. This new version aims to present a fresh take on Stephen King’s story, exploring themes of media spectacle and survival in a futuristic setting.
