Before Glen Powell could take on the lead role of Ben Richards in the new adaptation of Stephen King‘s novel The Running Man, he needed explicit approval from the author. This process unfolded ahead of the film’s release, with Powell attending the 2025 New York Comic-Con where he revealed director Edgar Wright made the casting offer contingent on King’s endorsement.
Edgar Wright’s Condition and Stephen King’s Decision
Powell explained that Edgar Wright informed him Stephen King intended to watch his film Hit Man to evaluate whether he was the right choice for the role. The actor recounted the anticipation of waiting for King’s assessment to be completed overnight before learning if he had secured the part.
And so I had to wait overnight for Stephen King to watch Hit Man and hope that I still had the role in the morning. It’s terrible,
said Glen Powell.
Directed by Richard Linklater, Hit Man was well received by critics, many of whom highlighted Powell’s performance positively. King’s approval of the movie led to his blessing for Powell’s casting in The Running Man.
About the Upcoming Film and Its Cast
The Running Man is a dystopian thriller scheduled for theatrical release on November 14. Alongside Powell and his character Ben Richards, the film features well-known actors such as William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. The collaboration of these talents under Edgar Wright’s direction has created considerable interest within the genre’s audience.
