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Stephen King's seal of approval: how a casting decision became headline news
When Edgar Wright tapped Glen Powell to play Ben Richards in Paramount's new adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man, the announcement felt like the start gun on a highly anticipated race. But there was one extra hurdle to clear: the author himself. At New York Comic Con, Powell revealed the unusual — and nerve-racking — detail that King wanted to screen one of Powell's recent performances before signing off on the casting.
"Edgar offered me this movie, and I was like, 'Yes,'" Powell said at the panel. "And then, later that night, Edgar said, 'By the way, you have to be approved by Stephen King. He's gonna watch Hit Man tonight.' So I had to wait overnight and hope I still had the role in the morning. It was terrible." Fortunately for Powell and the production, King reportedly loved what he saw.
More than a handshake: King, Wright and the script
The author’s influence extended beyond casting. Edgar Wright — who co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall — admitted the moment he had to hand the early draft to King felt like turning in a homework assignment. Wright’s relief was clear when King read and responded positively to the screenplay before filming began.
Wright has also said his version will pay tribute to both the 1982 novel and the infamous 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, while skewing "more faithful to the book" than the previous big-screen take. That balance — honoring a beloved pop-culture artifact while re-centering elements of King's original dystopian satire — is a tricky line for any filmmaker.
Genre context and comparisons
The Running Man sits comfortably inside a contemporary trend: revisiting dystopian, televised-reality narratives through a modern lens. From Battle Royale and The Hunger Games to streaming-era satires, audiences continue to be fascinated by televised spectacle and the ethics of entertainment. Wright’s signature kinetic style from films like Baby Driver, fused with King’s darker, socially conscious impulse, suggests a hybrid of stylish action and cultural critique.
Casting Powell — a performer known for combining charisma with vulnerability — signals a tonal shift from Schwarzenegger’s muscle-bound action-hero Richards. Fans can expect a more emotionally grounded lead, one whose motivations (a desperate father trying to save his child) are central rather than incidental to the spectacle.
Behind the scenes and fan reaction
Powell’s NYCC anecdote provided a human, behind-the-scenes moment that fans loved. Social media lit up with speculation: would King favor faithfulness to the novel or a blockbuster sensibility? Early reactions skewed hopeful, especially after Wright emphasized fidelity to King's themes. The production also adjusted its release strategy to accommodate IMAX screenings — moving the launch back a week to maximize big-screen showings — a sign studios still see theatrical spectacle as a draw for event films.
Trivia: it’s relatively rare for authors to personally vet lead actors for big studio films; King’s hands-on involvement here echoes how some contemporary authors remain deeply engaged with their adaptations, shaping casting and scripts to preserve their vision.
"Wright's approach feels like a respectful restoration rather than a retread," says film critic Anna Kovacs. "By centering the social satire and giving Powell room to be both gritty and empathetic, the film has the potential to update the story for a modern audience without losing the book’s edge."
What to watch for
Expect a film that nods to the 1987 cult classic — both in aesthetic flourishes and big set pieces — while leaning into King's darker commentary about media, class and spectacle. Powell’s performance will be compared to Schwarzenegger’s by necessity, but the comparison is less about imitation and more about reinterpretation. Edgar Wright’s visual flair and tight pacing could make this Running Man feel new while honoring the source.
Whether you’re a King completist, an Edgar Wright fan, or someone intrigued by dystopian media satires, this adaptation is shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about releases. Keep an eye on reviews and fan reactions once it hits IMAX-equipped theaters; for now, the story behind the casting — and King’s very public stamp of approval — is already part of the film’s narrative.
Source: deadline
Comments
DaNix
If Wright says "more faithful" will that mean less of the cheesy 80s fun or both? Powell > Arnie in vibes maybe, but skeptical of reboot nostalgia... we'll see
atomwave
King really watching Hit Man before he okayed Powell? wild. That overnight cliffhanger would kill me, lol. Hope Powell brings grit and heart..
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