Glen Powell Secures Role in ‘The Running Man’ After King Approval

Glen Powell is set to star in the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Running Man, but not without first receiving the author’s approval. At New York Comic Con, Powell shared details about the process that led to securing his role as Ben Richards. Director Edgar Wright initially offered him the part, contingent upon King watching Powell’s latest project, Hit Man.

Wright informed Powell late one night that King would be viewing Hit Man that evening. “I had to wait overnight for Stephen King to watch ‘Hit Man’ and hope that I still had the role in the morning,” Powell recounted. Fortunately for Powell, King enjoyed the film, which is a romantic crime comedy directed by Richard Linklater. King’s approval allowed Powell to officially take on the role in the highly anticipated film.

In The Running Man, Powell portrays Ben Richards, a desperate father competing in a deadly television game show. The synopsis describes the show as one where “contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins.” This modern adaptation aims to capture the essence of King’s original 1982 novel while introducing contemporary elements.

Wright emphasized that his adaptation is “more faithful to the book,” incorporating a sense of realism that heightens the tension throughout the film. “The coolest part about this [film] is that Edgar decided to take this [story] — loyal to the book — out in the real world,” Powell explained. He elaborated on the added layer of suspense, noting that citizens can record and report contestants, creating a relentless atmosphere of danger.

Fans can look forward to experiencing this thrilling adaptation when The Running Man premieres in theaters on November 14, 2023, under the banner of Paramount Pictures. With Powell’s talent and King’s endorsement, expectations are high for this new take on a classic story.