Sydney Sweeney Won’t Star in Glen Powell’s ‘The Running Man’

Collider reports that Sydney Sweeney will not be joining the cast of the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘The Running Man’, despite earlier speculation. This rumour was partly fueled by her previous collaborations with the film’s lead, Glen Powell. 

Directed, written, and produced by Edgar Wright, the project has generated significant buzz, especially with Powell cast in the lead role of Ben Richards. Although Powell and Sweeney had expressed interest in working together again, it won’t be happening for this film.

Also Read: Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney Eyed to Lead New ‘Running Man’ Remake

Initial hopes from fans that Sweeney might have a significant role alongside Powell have been dashed. The adaptation, set in a dystopian future, features Powell’s character participating in a deadly game show to win money to save his dying daughter. ‘The Running Man’, originally published in 1982 under Stephen King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, portrays Richards as a contestant in a game show where he must evade a team of assassins known as the Stalkers to earn money. 

The 1987 film adaptation, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, took considerable liberties with the source material but maintained the game show concept. It showcased memorable action sequences and Schwarzenegger’s iconic lines, including his famous quip after defeating a villain with a chainsaw.

The 1987 film received mixed reviews but was noted for its energetic action and Schwarzenegger’s performance, grossing around $38 million domestically. The new adaptation is among several King projects in development, including the long-awaited ‘Salem’s Lot’ remake and Mike Flanagan’s ‘The Life of Chuck’, which will be released on Netflix later this year. 

–Farheen Ali