In an exciting development for fans of Stephen King, Glen Powell has confirmed that filming for the much-anticipated remake of The Running Man has officially wrapped up. Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone but You, is set to play Ben Richards, a character previously portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sharing the news on social media, Powell posted an image of himself alongside director Edgar Wright, expressing gratitude for the efforts of the cast and crew. “That’s a picture wrap on ‘The Running Man.’ All my love and appreciation goes out to our incredible cast and crew who have worked tirelessly on it. Can’t wait for the rest of y’all to see what we’ve been shooting… Much more coming soon!” Powell enthused.
Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel aims to stay true to the original storyline, which was first published over 40 years ago under King’s pseudonym, Richard Bachman. The screenplay, co-written by Wright and Michael Bacall, promises to offer a fresh take on the narrative while maintaining the core essence of the book. Powell will be joined by Josh Brolin, who will portray the cunning antagonist, Killian, in a role initially played by the late Richard Dawson.
Recognizing the importance of casting, Wright has assembled an impressive lineup, including Katy O’Brian, William H. Macy, Colman Domingo, and Michael Cera, to support Powell and Brolin. The director’s intention is to craft a film that does justice to Stephen King’s work and distinguishes itself from the 1987 movie, which, despite being considered one of Schwarzenegger’s memorable performances, received mixed reviews and modest box office success.
The new film promises a unique experience, steering away from the previous version’s style. Wright described his vision during an interview with Empire, saying, “One of the things about the book that I loved was the fact that Ben Richards is out in the world on his own, so it’s like the deadliest game of hide-and-seek. It does feel like making a road movie in a lot of ways: a very intense, dangerous road movie. Ben is moving through different environments and meeting different people as he tries to survive 30 days out in the wild.”
With the release date set for November 7, fans are eagerly anticipating how this take on Stephen King’s The Running Man will resonate with audiences. Until then, they can enjoy revisiting the original 1987 film on streaming platforms such as AMC+ and Philo or opt to rent or purchase it through various VOD services. For those who appreciate Stephen King’s knack for blending suspense with action, this adaptation promises to be a worthwhile addition to the cinematic legacy of The Running Man.
