Glen Powell, the lead actor in the new adaptation of The Running Man, revealed at New York Comic Con that his casting depended on final approval from Stephen King, the original book’s author. Powell, attending with director Edgar Wright, shared that despite being offered the role early on, he had to wait overnight while King watched Powell’s previous film before officially signing on, highlighting the significance of the Stephen King movie approval process.
Behind the Scenes: Waiting on the Author’s Nod
Powell recounted his discussions with Wright, saying,
“The only interaction I had is when Edgar offered me this movie, and I was like, ‘yes.’ He’s like, ‘You’re my Ben Richards,’ And I’m like, ‘Let’s go,’”
referring to the moment he was first cast as the character Ben Richards. He then added,
“Later that night, you’re like, ‘By the way, you have to be approved by Stephen King,’”
revealing the unexpected challenge. Powell explained,
“He’s like, ‘he’s gonna watch Hitman tonight,’ so I had to wait overnight for Stephen King to watch Hitman and hope that I still had the role in the morning.”
A Modern Take on King’s Dystopian Vision
The movie’s story is set in a dystopian near-future where Powell’s character, Ben Richards, is a desperate family man who enters America’s most dangerous game show. This brutal contest forces contestants to evade professional killers for survival, with a grand cash prize that could lift Richards’ family out of poverty and pay for his ill daughter’s treatment. This high-stakes chase is central to the film’s tension and emotional drive.
Edgar Wright’s Adaptation Receives King’s Support
The director, Edgar Wright, expressed the intense pressure of adapting King’s work. He said,
“I was with Michael Bacall, who wrote the film with me, and I was like, ‘This is so nerve-racking to have to hand in our homework to Stephen King.’ But he loved the screenplay, and so it was great. It was a real kismet.”
King’s approval came with praise for the screenplay’s fidelity to the source material, as Wright shared the author’s words:
“’more faithful to the book to keep the fans happy enough to keep me on my toes and excited.’ And I was thinking, ‘OK, I’ll take that.’”
A Strong Ensemble Cast Supports Powell’s Lead
Powell’s performance is backed by a notable supporting cast, including Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, and Michael Cera—all contributing to the film’s dynamic. Their combined presence enhances the adaptation’s depth and broadens its appeal. Audiences will be able to judge the results when the film debuts in theaters on November 14.
Significance of the Film’s Release and Stephen King’s Ongoing Influence
The journey to bring The Running Man to the screen underscores the lasting impact of Stephen King’s storytelling and the importance of securing his endorsement when adapting his works. This approval not only affirms the creative team’s vision but also excites fans awaiting a fresh take on a classic tale. With its November release date approaching, the film promises to be a thrilling experience for both longtime King enthusiasts and new viewers alike.
