InGlen Powellwe trust. Pair theTwistersandTop Gun: Maverickstar with filmmaker,Edgar Wright, in a movie based on aStephen Kingnovel and — in the words of the late, greatCarl Weathers— baby, you’ve got a stew going. Today, CinemaCon attendees were invited to try a taste of that stew (have we taken it too far?) thanks to a special update during Paramount’s presentation that included some piping-hot information about the upcoming action-packed thriller,The Running Man.
In the footage played at the convention, Glen Powell’s Ben is approached byJosh Brolin’s bad guy, who knows that he’s in a desperate position and in dire need of money for his family. Brolin looks like a skeezy billionaire, whileColman Domingo’s host is everything that a game show host could hope to be — well dressed and fabulous. The hunt is on for Powell who has the attitude of Deadpool and all the makings of an action hero as he dives, dodges and blasts his way to the finish line. We also catch a few peeks ofKaty O’Brianbeing absolutely badass. It’s more brutal than the original, and has plenty of surprising, next-level kills.
Wright’s adaptation of King’s 1982 novel will be the second time the book has received a big-screen makeover, following theiconicpiece of 80s cinema that sawArnold Schwarzeneggerin the role of Ben Richards — the part in which Powell will be taking over. Joining Powell in his jog through the dystopian nightmareland is a star-studded ensemble that also includesWilliam H. Macy(Shameless),Karl Glusman(Watcher),David Zayas(Dexter),Jayme Lawson(Sinners),Lee Pace(Pushing Daisies),Sean Hayes(Will & Grace),Michael Cera(Arrested Development) and more.
Wright has beenattached to the projectfor nearly five years, meaning the film’s arrival on November 7 has been a long time coming. The movie is right up the director’s alley, as he certainly has what it takes to bring a vibrant — sometimes trippy — story to life. His last feature, 2021’sLast Night in Sohocertainly falls in the same vein asThe Running Man, while his adaptation of the beloved graphic novel,Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, gives audiences an idea of the color scheme of the film. An underlying current in all the director’s productions is comedy, as he was not only the helmer but also the scribe behind theThree Flavours Cornettotrilogy, meaning thatThe Running Manis likely to have some laughable moments — even if they’re a little dark.
Glen Powell — Action Hero
Prior to his work onJoseph Kosinski’sTop Gun: Maverick, Powell had already been building a name for himself in the industry, but theTom Cruise-led sequel undoubtedly helped his career take off like a rocket. Since then, the actor has enjoyed plenty of time in the spotlight, starring in pulse-pounding movies likeDevotion,Hit ManandTwisters, while also finding time to solidify his position as Hollywood’s hottest heartthrob thanks to his turn oppositeSydney Sweeneyin the money-making rom-com,Anyone but You.
Stay tuned to Collider for more to come from CinemaCon and seeThe Running Manin cinemas on November 7.
The Running Man
