Director Edgar Wright's adaptation of "The Running Man" incorporates Michael Cera into its ensemble cast.
Throughout the year, Edgar Wright's revamped version of "Running Man" from Paramount has been gathering notable figures. Initially, Glen Powell and Katy O'Brian secured the lead roles, followed by Josh Brolin and Lee Pace as the primary antagonists. Now, additional actors have been added to the film's ensemble cast, including an old pal of Wright's.
As reported by "The Hollywood Reporter", Michael Cera, famed for his role in "Scott Pilgrim", and Emilia Jones, known for "Locke & Key", have joined the cast. According to insiders, Cera will portray an unidentified "unassuming rebel", determined to assist Powell's Ben Richards, while Jones will depict a wealthy woman oblivious to the suppressive regime Richards is combating. Filming is set to commence in London at the start of 2025, with the movie scheduled for release later in the year.
The film is based on Stephen King's 1982 sci-fi novel, in which a despotic regime governs America through a brutal game show that entertains and subdues citizens. Each season, ruthless assassins hunt contestants, with Richards signing up to earn money for his ailing daughter. The longer he survives, the more money he earns, but also the more attention he attracts from the show's producers and the killers, who would prefer his downfall.
The original "Running Man" was adapted into a 1987 movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, directed by Paul Michael Glaser. Back in June, Powell hinted at what sets this new adaptation apart from its predecessor. Wright's version of the story, Powell mentioned, has a more authentic connection to King's original novel, transforming Richards' hunt into a global quest, rather than a solely U.S.-based one. The differences between the two films will become apparent when Wright's "Running Man" hits theaters on November 21, 2025.
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Following the announcement of Michael Cera and Emilia Jones joining the cast, there's been excitement among fans about the future movie adaptation of "Running Man". In an exclusive interview with Io9, Edgar Wright shared his thoughts on the role of technology in the movie, stating, "The use of technology in the film is crucial, as it mirrors the current state of our world and how it can be manipulated for both good and evil."