Before Glen Powell could officially suit Edgar Wright’s upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King The running manthere was a major obstacle in his way… the King of Horror himself.
During a panel at New York Comic Con (via People), Powell revealed that Wright had offered him the lead role of Ben Richards, but the deal came with a surprising stipulation. Powell said:
“Edgar offered me this movie and I was like, ‘Yes.’ I’m like, ‘Come on…’ And then, like, later that night [Edgar says]“By the way, you have to be approved by Stephen King.” He’s going to watch Hit Man tonight.’”
That sent Powell into a long, nerve-wracking night.
“And so I had to wait all night for Stephen King to watch Hit Man and hope I still had the role the next morning. It’s terrible.”
Luckily, King ended up loving it Hitmanthe 2023 romantic crime comedy directed by Richard Linklaterand gave his blessing for Powell to take on the role.
In The running manPowell plays Ben, a desperate working-class man who takes part in a deadly game show to help his ailing daughter. Contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, their every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty audience. Every day survived means more money if they live long enough to collect it.
King’s 1982 novel was first brought to the big screen in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger protagonist, but Wright told fans that his version will be “more faithful to the book” and update the story for modern times.
Powell teased how Wright’s vision amplifies the tension of King’s story, saying:
“The best part of all this [film] the thing I’m really excited about is that Edgar decided to take it [story] – faithful to the book – in the real world.
“Citizens can record [and] report you. They can take you out. So there’s this sort of ever-present feeling of tension that’s present throughout the film. It’s relentless.
With Wright behind the camera, King’s approval, and Powell taking on the role once played by an action legend, this new take The running man is shaping up to be one of the most exciting sci-fi thrillers on the horizon.
The running man hits theaters November 14th via Paramount Pictures.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
