Stephen King’s influence in Hollywood remains significant, as evidenced by Glen Powell’s recent experience while preparing for the upcoming adaptation of King’s novel, The Running Man. Speaking at New York Comic Con, Powell detailed the anxiety he faced after being cast in the film, directed by Edgar Wright. “I was excited when Edgar offered me this movie, but then he dropped the bomb that I needed approval from Stephen King,” Powell recalled.
King’s endorsement was contingent upon his watching Powell’s recent work in the film Hit Man, adding an extra layer of pressure. “I had to wait overnight to see if I still had the role in the morning,” Powell lamented. Fortunately, the actor received a positive response, with King reportedly expressing enthusiasm for Hit Man.
The upcoming film, expected to release on November 14, 2025, is an adaptation of King’s 1982 novel, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The story centers around Ben Richards, a contestant in a dystopian game show where individuals are hunted by trained assassins for a month, with a massive $1 billion prize for the sole survivor. This marks the second adaptation of the novel, following the 1987 film that featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as Richards.
Alongside Powell, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Josh Brolin, Daniel Ezra, and Jayme Lawson, enhancing the anticipation around this reimagining of King’s classic tale.
As excitement builds for The Running Man, King continues to captivate audiences not only through his literature but also through the cinematic adaptations of his works, continuing a legacy that resonates deeply with both new and longtime fans.