The Running Man cast and character guide: Here’s who brought the 2025 dystopian thriller to life

The upcoming dystopian thriller, The Running Man, has a power-packed ensemble of cast members, including Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Jayme Lawson, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, and Katy O'Brien. The film shall release in the theaters on 14th November 2025.

Helmed by Edgar Wright, this film serves as an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, carrying the homonym. King had penned the book under the nom de plume Richard Bachman. The first and only film adaptation of this feature was made in 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead. In this film, the Terminator star features in a photographic cameo.

The film explores the plot of a high-stakes, life-threatening show where participants need to survive in the hands of a group of chasers known as Hunters. In order to save his ailing child, a man named Ben Richards enters the game to earn some money.

Keep reading to find out more about the cast of The Running Man.

Here are the cast and characters of The Running Man

1) Katy O'Brien as Laughlin

Actor Katy O'Brian is portraying the role of Laughlin, a fellow contestant on the show.

Also, a prominent martial artist, O'Brian is known for her roles in The Mandalorian, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Love Lies Bleeding, Twisters, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Christy, etc.

2) Daniel Ezra as Bradley Throckmorton

Daniel Ezra is playing the role of Bradley Throckmorton in The Running Man. However, no more details about the character have been revealed yet.

Apart from this film, the British actor has previously worked in Prime Suspect 1973, A Discovery of Witches, and All American, to name a few.

3) Emilia Jones as Amelia Williams

Emilia Jones, in this film, portrays the role of a socially advantaged woman who is oblivious to the systemic failure that has made people like Ben suffer.

The BAFTA-nominated actor has also worked in Locke & Key, CODA, Winner, and many more.

4) Michael Cera as Elton Parrakis

A still from 'The Running Man' | Image via @Youtube/ParamountPictures

Michael Cera stars in the film as Elton Parrakis, an inexperienced rebel who strives to help Ben.

Apart from this role, Cera is prominent for his work in Arrested Development, Superbad, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Molly's Game, Life & Beth, Barbie, and The Phoenician Scheme, to name a few.

5) Jayme Lawson as Sheila Richards

Actor Jayme Lawson plays the role of Sheila Richards, Ben's wife. She is grappling to make ends meet as their daughter is ill, and they are facing financial struggles as well.

Lawson is also known for her work in The Batman, Till, Genius, The Penguin Sinners, etc.

6) Lee Pace as Evan McCone

Lee Pace stars in an antagonistic role in this film, as he is the chief hunter endowed with the duty to chase down Ben.

Apart from this role, the actor has also worked in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, The Hobbit film trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Foundation, and many more.

7) William H. Macy as Molie Jernigan

Veteran actor William H. Macy portrays the role of Molie Jernigan, who helps Ben during his escape from the hunters.

The Emmy-winning actor is distinguished for his work in ER, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Jurassic Park III, Shameless, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, to name a few.

8) Colman Domingo as Bobby "Bobby T" Thompson

Legendary actor Colman Domingo plays the role of the host of the brutal game show.

The Academy-nominated actor is prominent for his work in True Crime, Fear the Walking Dead, Selma, If Beale Street Could Talk, Euphoria, and Sing Sing, to name a few.

9) Josh Brolin as Dan Killian

Notable actor Josh Brolin stars as the prime antagonist in the film, Dan Killian. He is the diabolical show producer of this terrorizing game show.

Brolin is best known for his work in The Goonies, No Country for Old Men, Milk, Men in Black 3, Oldboy, Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2, Avengers: Endgame, the Dune films, Weapons, etc.

10) Glen Powell as Ben Richards

And finally, the leading man of the film, Ben Richards, is portrayed by Glen Powell. Richards puts everything at stake by joining the game show in order to support his daughter's medical treatment.

Powell is a popular actor who is known for his work in The Expendables 3, Everybody Wants Some!!, Hidden Figures, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone but You, Twisters, etc.

The remaining cast of The Running Man includes: