Inside Edgar Wright and Glen Powell’s High-Stakes Remake of The Running Man
Gorgeous Trends got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the intense new adaptation of The Running Man, Edgar Wright’s bold reimagining of Stephen King’s dystopian thriller—set to hit theaters on November 7. Starring Glen Powell in a dramatically different role, the film also features Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Katy O’Brian, and Michael Cera, with a chilling first trailer and never-before-seen images now available.
Powell, known for his charming turns in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, trades his signature smile for a scowl as he takes on the role of Ben Richards—a desperate father thrust into a violent, televised death match. On set at the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Powell was seen strapped in a red jumpsuit, wrists bound, facing a raucous crowd screaming for his demise. But don’t worry—“Bad Mood Glen” is all part of the act.
“This role is totally different,” Powell tells Gorgeous Trends, his grin returning between takes. “Ben’s angry. He’s got a bone to pick with the world. Edgar keeps asking for more ‘Bad Mood Glen!’”
Wright’s version remains faithful to King’s original 1982 novel—published under the Richard Bachman pseudonym—unlike the more action-heavy 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film. Set in a dystopian future where the government’s Network turns violence into entertainment, The Running Man follows down-and-out construction worker Richards, who volunteers for the deadly game show in a desperate attempt to save his daughter’s life.
Josh Brolin plays Dan Killian, the show’s cold-blooded executive producer. “He’s the guy pulling all the strings,” says Brolin. “He crafts emotional spectacles for the audience—no matter the human cost.”
Colman Domingo, channeling Jerry Springer in both charisma and flair, plays Bobby T, the over-the-top host of the twisted reality show. “He’s the biggest celebrity in the world,” Domingo shares. “So he’s got to shine—diamonds, flashy suits, and all.”
Contestants in the game include Katy O’Brian, who breaks away from her typical military roles to play a “runner” with a rebellious streak, and Martin Herlihy from Please Don’t Destroy. O’Brian reveals, “Edgar gave me a chance to show a new side—this one’s scrappier, more fun.”
But surviving The Running Man isn’t easy. The contestants are hunted by brutal killers, including Lee Pace’s ghost-like McCone and Karl Glusman’s weaponized assassin, both trained by a real SAS operator for their roles. “We learned tactical movement and gun handling from someone who’s lived it,” Glusman says.
Rounding out the cast: William H. Macy as a black-market dealer, Emilia Jones as a mysterious ally to Richards, and Michael Cera as Elton—an unexpected turn for the usually quirky actor. “His role adds tension and surprise,” says Wright. “Seeing him and Glen together was electric.”
Wright also makes a nod to his past collaborations, with co-writer Michael Bacall appearing briefly in the film—and prominently in the trailer.
This marks Wright’s first film since 2021’s Last Night in Soho, and he’s been dreaming of this one for decades. “I read The Running Man when I was 12,” he says. “Even before the ’87 film, the book stuck with me. This was always the adaptation I wanted to make—one that truly honors King’s vision.”
With adrenaline-pumping action, a razor-sharp critique of reality entertainment, and a star-studded cast firing on all cylinders, The Running Man is shaping up to be one of 2025’s must-watch thrillers.
