Excitement Builds for Edgar Wright’s *The Running Man* Ahead of November Release
Paramount Pictures is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of Edgar Wright’s *The Running Man*, scheduled to hit theaters on November 7. Just seven months from its debut, the film’s cast made a memorable appearance at the Caesars Palace Colosseum during the studio’s CinemaCon presentation, showcasing their enthusiasm and readiness to engage audiences.
Behind the Scenes Insights from the Cast
Star Glen Powell, recognized for his bustling career as a leading actor and producer, shared insights about his rigorous work on the film. “I have never worked harder on a movie in my life,”Powell remarked, reflecting on the film, which recently concluded shooting.
Joining Wright and Powell on stage were Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo, who collectively presented exclusive footage from the film. This adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel—written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman—depicts a dystopian America in 2025, ruled by a totalitarian regime that distracts the populace with brutal game shows.
A Gripping Tale of Survival
The narrative centers around Ben Richards, a man driven by the desperate need for money to care for his ailing daughter. To alleviate his financial woes, he enters *The Running Man*, a game show where contestants are pursued by lethal hunters. As contestants fight to survive, they earn money; however, Richards is determined to unmask the nefarious truth behind the show and defy the system.
Paramount’s Vision for November
Brian Robbins, the head of Paramount, praised the original story as a “nightmarish tale,”expressing confidence that this film will be a blockbuster success come November. He noted that Wright was a driving force behind the project’s inception, emphasizing the filmmaker’s creative vision.
Wright’s Tribute to the Original Novel
Wright, an avid admirer of King’s work since adolescence, emphasized that the film aims to tell an untold aspect of the original story. “The Running Man provides audiences with a protagonist to root for,”he commented, praising Powell’s ability to embody a character who becomes an authentic action hero through sheer charisma.
Powell echoed Wright’s sentiments, describing the reboot as “extraordinary”and indicating that it offers a comprehensive experience rather than mere superficial references to beloved elements.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Challenge of the Role
During the presentation, Powell humorously remarked about the physical demands of his role, recalling moments where he was “thrown off buildings”while acting. He quipped that his experience could be attributed to the advice he sought from his *Top Gun: Maverick* co-star Tom Cruise regarding stunt work.
Wright praised Powell’s dedication, stating, “He literally and figuratively threw himself into it.”The camaraderie among the cast was palpable as Powell introduced his “two new best friends,”Brolin and Domingo. Brolin described his character as “maniacal,”expressing how enjoyable it was to embody this role and even giving a shout-out to Powell’s dog, Brisket, who has a cameo in the film.
Thrilling Footage Unveiled
The audience at CinemaCon was treated to footage that heightened excitement around the film’s release. The scenes depicted Powell portraying the beleaguered Richards facing off against Brolin’s villain, highlighted by a tense exchange that encapsulates the film’s dramatic essence.
Legacy of Stephen King’s Work
The new film is inspired in part by the 1987 adaptation directed by Paul Michael Glaser, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Richards. That first version featured Schwarzenegger as an innocent man ensnared by a brutal, televised game show in exchange for a chance at freedom.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Team
The reimagined *The Running Man* also boasts a talented ensemble cast, including William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, and Jayme Lawson. The film is produced collaboratively by Wright, Simon Kinberg, and Nira Park, with executive producers comprising George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, and Audrey Chon.
CinemaCon: A Hub for Industry Innovations
This year’s CinemaCon, hosted by Cinema United—previously the National Association of Theatre Owners—took place in Las Vegas from March 31 to April 3, presenting a platform for studio showcases and industry advancements.