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Edgar Wright's The Running Man is an adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novel and takes place in a dystopian future where aggressive game shows are popular entertainment. Glen Powell plays Ben Richards, an ordinary guy and onetime construction worker who volunteers to participate in this lethal contest in order to raise cash for his daughter's medical care.
Contrary to earlier adaptations, this movie promises to be a true interpretation of the book. Powell's character begins the game as a typical contestant but becomes an iconic representation of resistance against the harsh realities of the show.
This role represents a different kind of action lead for Powell, acting as an everyman instead of a hero, with an emphasis on human survival over superhuman achievements. The movie will hit the big screen on November 7, 2025, and boasts an ensemble cast of Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, and Michael Cera, along with Powell.
Who is Ben Richards?
Ben Richards is an individual who is struggling in a totalitarian future world ruled by a lethal TV game show called The Running Man. He participates in the show to raise the funds he needs for his ill daughter's treatment. The program features contestants, or "runners," attempting to survive for 30 days as they are stalked by deadly opponents.
The longer a contestant survives, the higher the cash reward, but the risk increases steadily. Richards, at first another contestant, applies his mind and willpower to evade his hunters and, ultimately, earns sympathy from a majority of viewers.
This makes him a target for the producers of the show, who view him as a threat to their authority. His journey represents survival, family inspiration, and defiance against oppressive regimes.
Casting and character information
Glen Powell was cast in April of 2024 for the central role following director Edgar Wright being impressed with his performance in Top Gun: Maverick. Wright wanted an actor with an everyday, down-to-earth quality to play Richards, not a conventional superhero character. This is an ordinary man who must deal with exceptional circumstances.
Other main cast members of The Running Man are Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the game show producer; Colman Domingo as the host of the show, Bobby Thompson; and Michael Cera as rebel Elton Parrakis, who helps Richards. Other performers like Lee Pace feature hunters, and Emilia Jones features a civilian who is involved in the chaos.
Plot and setting of The Running Man
The Running Man follows the premise of a dystopian game show where contestants are forced into a life-or-death competition for a huge cash prize. Participants must evade deadly hunters and survive daily challenges broadcast live for public entertainment.
The show’s setting reflects a society fascinated by violence and reality TV while ignoring ethical concerns. This adaptation remains faithful to Stephen King's original story, highlighting Richards' battle and resistance in the face of corruption. The film is an amalgamation of action, suspense, and societal commentary on media and human desperation.
Production and Release
Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall wrote the screenplay, with a focus on a remake-free retelling of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. Production is set to start in November 2024 in the United Kingdom, with filming at Wembley Stadium being among the locations.
The film incorporates state-of-the-art visual effects by Industrial Light & Magic and has Paul Machliss working as editor for the fifth time with Wright. Paramount Pictures is set to release The Running Man on November 7, 2025.
Glen Powell's contribution to the direction of The Running Man
Wright chose Powell for his new approach as an action star who is not stereotypically a superhero or professional killer. This choice of casting highlights the character's realism and humanity within violent environments. Powell's Ben Richards is a character with whom audiences can identify, who is vulnerable and driven by personal motivations, unlike typical action heroes.
This approach aligns with Wright’s vision of grounding the character in the original novel’s tone while appealing to modern audiences. Powell’s portrayal lends credibility to the tension and emotional weight of the story’s core struggles.
The Running Man features Glen Powell as a man struggling to save his daughter's life and defying a brutal entertainment system. His character demonstrates human resilience within a dystopian environment, echoing ideas from Stephen King's novel remade for a younger generation.
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The movie guarantees an intense adventure of survival and rebellion through Powell's character. Audiences can anticipate how Ben Richards takes on lethal tests under Wright's guidance.
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