Get ready for a thrilling adaptation that's about to shake up the big screen! Edgar Wright, the mastermind behind this upcoming film, has promised a fresh take on Stephen King's classic, 'The Running Man'. But here's where it gets controversial... Wright revealed that King himself had a say in the casting process, and that's where our story takes an unexpected turn.
In a recent panel discussion, Wright and his stars, Glen Powell and Lee Pace, opened up about the making of this highly anticipated movie. Wright shared his vision for a more faithful adaptation, one that pays homage to the book while adding a few nods to the iconic 1980s film. But it's the casting process that has everyone talking. Wright offered Powell the role of Ben Richards, but there was a catch - he had to be approved by none other than Stephen King himself!
Powell recalled the nerve-wracking wait, "I had to wait overnight for King to watch my recent film, 'Hitman', and hope I still had the role in the morning." Talk about high stakes! King's approval was crucial, and it seems he was impressed by Powell's performance.
But why did Wright seek King's blessing? He explained that King is like "the most famous English teacher in history." Wright wanted to ensure his adaptation stayed true to the book, and King's endorsement was the ultimate seal of approval. King even described the adaptation as "faithful enough to keep the fans happy and keep me on my toes."
As for Powell's take on Ben Richards, he joked about channelling his inner Austrian accent Ă la Arnold Schwarzenegger. But in all seriousness, Powell described Ben as the ultimate underdog, a regular guy facing an oppressive system. He revealed that Wright wanted to tap into his "bad mood" side, bringing out the frustration and anger of a man fighting for his family's survival.
The panel also praised Powell's commitment to the role, with Wright calling him "less hard-working and diligent" and Pace adding, "He gives it 1,000 percent and makes it look easy."
And this is the part most people miss... Wright's attention to detail extended beyond the cast. He explained their decision to avoid specifying the year the movie is set, a clever move to avoid technological hiccups and stay true to King's vision. The book, written in 1982, is set in 2025, and Wright reflected on the wild coincidence that the film's release year matches the book's setting.
Wright also highlighted the film's production design, shot across three countries, creating a unique "road movie" feel. He described the world-building process, inspired by reality TV shows since the 1980s, as a mix of UFC and American Idol. Powell noted the stark contrast between the game's reality and the bright, fun world of Domingo and Brolin's characters.
So, will this adaptation live up to King's expectations and satisfy fans? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure, with Wright's vision and Powell's commitment, this 'Running Man' is set to leave a lasting impression. What do you think? Will this adaptation be a hit or a miss? Let's discuss in the comments!
