In Hollywood, landing a major role often involves auditions, callbacks, and studio approvals. But for Glen Powell, the final green light came from none other than Stephen King himself. Paramount Pictures cast Twisters and Hit Man star Glen Powell to lead its upcoming adaptation of The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, after Powell impressed Stephen King, the legendary author of the 1982 dystopian novel.
A Role That Needed King’s Approval
At a New York Comic Con panel, Powell revealed that while Wright had offered him the role of Ben Richards, the decision wasn’t final until King weighed in. “Edgar offered me this movie, and I was like, ‘Yes.’ I’m like, ‘Let’s go…’ And then, like, later that night [Edgar says], ‘By the way, like, you have to be approved by Stephen King. He’s gonna watch Hit Man tonight,’” Powell recalled.
The actor spent a nerve-wracking night hoping King would enjoy his performance. Fortunately, King “loved” the film, and Powell officially stepped into the role of Richards, a working-class father forced to compete in a deadly reality show to save his daughter.
Wright’s Script Also Faced the King Test
Powell wasn’t the only one under scrutiny. Director Edgar Wright, known for Baby Driver and Shaun of the Dead, also had to submit the screenplay, co-written with Michael Bacall, for King’s approval. “Stephen King read the screenplay before we started filming,” Wright said. “He’s like the most famous English teacher in history… I was like, ‘This is so nerve-wracking to have to hand in our homework to [him].’ But he loved the screenplay, and so it was great.”
A Faithful Adaptation with a Modern Edge
Wright emphasized that his version of The Running Man will pay homage to both King’s novel and the 1987 film adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, he noted that his take will be “more faithful to the book,” suggesting a darker, more grounded tone than the campy original.
Ben Richards joins a top-rated televised deathmatch, where he must survive for a month while professional assassins hunt him down. It’s a brutal critique of media, capitalism, and survival, one that feels eerily relevant today.
Release Date Shift for IMAX Impact
Originally slated for a November 7 release, The Running Man will now hit theaters a week later to take advantage of IMAX screens. With King’s blessing, Powell’s rising star power, and Wright’s signature style, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated dystopian thrillers of the year.
