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High-octane performances are nothing new to Hollywood heartthrob Glen Powell, but his most recent endeavor, 'The Running Man,' could prove to be the most challenging till date. In a recent interview, the actor spoke candidly, about the physically taxing and nerve-racking stunts he did on set, such as unexpected explosions and perilous falls that left even him trembling. With Powell at the forefront in a part that tested his emotional and physical boundaries, Edgar Wright's reworked version of the 1987 sci-fi cult classic promises gritty action and raw intensity.
Powell’s behind-the-scenes revelations have further increased the excitement surrounding this suspenseful thriller as production comes to a close and expectation grows.
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Glen Powell Steps Into the Arena in a Dystopian Reboot
Glen Powell is set to play Ben Richards in 'The Running Man,' a character who is compelled to participate in a lethal game show on television where his only option is to survive. This new adaptation, which was co-written and directed by Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall, is based on Stephen King's 1982 novel (originally published under the pen name Richard Bachman) and a reimagining of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.
Powell’s Ben is not merely fleeing peril; rather, he is escaping with a goal in mind: to save his family and reveal a corrupt system that profits from blood sport. The narrative takes place in a dystopian future where people watch live television to watch criminals being hunted down. Powell, known for his roles in 'Top Gun: Maverick,' and 'Anyone But You,' said this was his most physically challenging role to date.
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Image Courtesy: People
The actor acknowledged that in order to keep up with the intensity of the production, he had to be "on edge" all the time. Filming took place on expansive sets that were filled with suspense, fire, and stunt choreography.
"There were a few explosions..": On‑set stunts and surprises
Powell recently spilled behind‑the‑scenes details at the New York Comic Con event, admitting that the stunt work on 'The Running Man' pushed him further than he’d ever gone. In a real-life on-screen reaction, he described a stunt in which a cable was released earlier than anticipated, throwing him off the side of a building. Additionally, he disclosed that "a few explosions hit me in the face," and that a fire extinguisher exploded before it was supposed to, which truly caught him off guard and gave the scenario more realism.
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Though the action scenes were tough and "nerve-racking," Powell emphasised that he welcomed the unpredictability: "I always try to keep myself surprised because that's all the good stuff. You never want to be too sure‑footed on a set."
What Fans Can Look Forward To?
Now that filming is finished and editing is in progress, 'The Running Man' is shaping up to be a gripping thriller that stays true to its original plot while providing new relevance for audiences today. According to Wright, the movie is "Die Hard for our day." Powell's Ben Richards, who enters the cruel competition of the game show's title in an attempt to save his ailing daughter and expose the corruption behind the show, continues to be at the center of the narrative.
Check out the Official Trailer:
To make the suspense visceral and raw, the production has used actual drops, spectacular set pieces, realistic stunts, and minimalistic computer-generated imagery. Audiences can mark their calendars, as the film is scheduled to be released in theaters on 7th November.
