Glen Powell’s experience performing stunts in high-pressure environments prepared him well for his role in Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man. Having already faced natural disasters in Twisters and violent confrontations in Hit Man, Powell credits his time on Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022, as crucial in readying him for the challenging part of Ben Richards, a contestant fighting for survival in a dangerous reality TV show.
Lessons Learned in the Cockpit Inform Powerful Performance
Playing Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick demanded intense training, including spending numerous hours inside fighter jets. Powell explains to GamesRadar+ how that experience sharpened his ability to maintain focus under pressure.
“I think I did learn on Top Gun what it takes to deliver something specific for the audience. Like, riding in the back of those planes a couple times a day, you are exhausted, but what you do is you put your head down and you focus for this finite amount of time, because you know it’ll last on film forever,”
Powell shares.
His dedication extended beyond filming, as he earned his pilot’s license shortly after wrapping up the movie, demonstrating his commitment to mastering the role. This rigorous preparation shaped how he approached embodying Ben Richards, whose perilous journey is broadcast live to a watching nation.
Delivering Emotional Impact Through Focus and Commitment
Powell emphasizes how the cumulative effect of small performance moments builds to create a powerful connection with the audience. He describes the importance of portraying trauma and intensity authentically to enhance viewers’ empathy and immersion in the story.
“Even though you’re getting these little pieces, what you see is in the greater whole of the movie, what the impact is when an audience feels that the person they’re rooting for is going through a traumatic, intense thing, it translates it,”
he explains.
“I kept that in the back of my head, you know, the ‘film is forever’ feeling, which is, ‘do what you have to do’ – don’t take any shortcuts, so you give the audience that full experience. I think I’ve taken these last few years since Top Gun [and] I’ve had the best film education I can even imagine, which is I get to work with some of the top filmmakers in the world and I’m really trying to learn and treating it like my film school.”
The Running Man: A High-Stakes Battle for Survival
In The Running Man, Ben Richards faces relentless pursuit by elite Hunters through a vast cross-country chase, all under the scrutiny of America’s television audience. The reality show offers a chance at a life-changing prize, with Richards motivated by a desire to support his sick daughter. Despite the deadly odds, no participant has ever survived the full 30-day ordeal.
The gripping narrative unfolds with explosive sequences, brutal confrontations, and high-energy pursuits that heighten the tension throughout the film. This blend of action and emotional stakes creates a compelling thriller experience.
Upcoming Release and Anticipated Audience Reception
The Running Man is set to premiere in UK cinemas on November 12, followed by a US release on November 14. Building on Powell’s demonstrated ability to engage audiences from Top Gun to this latest role, the film aims to leave a lasting impression with its intense storytelling and dynamic performances under Edgar Wright’s direction.
