The upcoming remake ofThe Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, just got a major production update. Based on the beloved novel by Stephen King (written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman),The Running Manis set in a futuristic 2025where participants compete in the violent reality show “The Running Man” to win a massive cash prize. Edgar Wright is looking to put a new spin on the novel, which was previously adapted by director Paul Michael Glaser with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role, and production on Wright’s version is gearing up to begin shooting.
The Running Man
According toTheWrap, Wright’sThe Running Manwill begin shooting this November in London, England. The report also confirmed that Wright’s adaptation (which the director co-wrote with Michael Bacall) “is a more faithful adaptation” of Stephen King’s sci-fi novel. Despite now being considered a cult-classic, Glaser’s 1987 adaptation garnered criticism from fans of the book and even Stephen King himself. The prolific writer once said (viaWe Minored in Film), “it doesn’t have much in common with the novel at all, except the title,” when asked about Glaser’s version. Stephen King hasn’t commented on Edgar Wright’s new adaptation.
Glen Powell Will Juggle Filming The Running Man With Finishing His Degree
Glen Powell is becoming one of the busiest people in Hollywood. After gaining mainstream attention from his supporting role inTop Gun: Maverick, Powell’s stardom shot through the roof after his leading role in the 2023 rom-comAnyone But You, co-starring Sydney Sweeney. This year, Powell has starred in two major blockbusters. He first appeared in Richard Linklater’s action/comedyHit Man, which Powell co-wrote with the director. Powell then went from playing a fake hit man to a cowboy storm chaser inTwisters, alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Edgar Wright Talks Running Man Reboot & Hollywood’s Franchise Addiction: “It’s Okay to Take a Break”
The director of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World recently spoke about franchise burn-out, and his upcoming take on the Stephen King novel.
If Glen Powell’s upcoming filmography wasn’t busy enough, (Powell is confirmed to star in 6 new projects, includingThe Running Man),the rising star is balancing his career with his education. Speaking toIndieWireto promoteTwisters, Glen Powell revealed that he’ll be jumping betweenproduction onThe Running Manand the University of Texas to finish his degree in Spanish & Early American history. The actor said:
“I’m not going to be sitting in a class with other students on the regular,” Powell revealed. “I’m basically going to be coming back because I have to finish up, but I’m going to be shooting The Running Man in the fall. So I’m going to be in London, but I am going to be going back for proctored exams. So, they’re letting me figure it out [with] distance learning. And I’m obviously going to be coming in, Zooming in for classes and whatnot, but I have to be back for the proctored exams. So, we’re figuring that out for two or three times a semester, I’ll come back for all my stuff. Edgar has been very nice about letting me finish my degree in the middle of his massive movie.”
No release date has been announced for Edgar Wright’sThe Running Man.
