Edgar Wright Rebooting The Running Man With Glen Powell

Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) is set to star in Paramount's upcoming action film, The Running Man. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Powell will take on the lead role in the adaptation of Stephen King's novel, directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver).

Wright, who has been attached to the project since 2021, will also produce the film alongside Nira Park and Simon Kinberg. Wright co-wrote the story with Michael Bacall (21 Jump Street), with Bacall handling the script. This new version from Wright is expected to not be a remake but another crack at reimagining the novel, as previously reported. The story, originally published in 1982 under King's pseudonym Richard Bachman, is set in a dystopian America and follows a man who joins a deadly game show in a desperate attempt to secure funds for his sick daughter.

Powell is coming off the surprise success of the romantic comedy Anyone But You, which earned over $200 million worldwide. Additionally, he co-wrote and co-produced the action-comedy Hitman, which will hit theaters on May 24, 2024, before landing on Netflix on June 7. Powell will also star in Universal's Twisters--the sequel to the 1996 film--which is slated for release on July 19, 2024.

Last fall, Wright made waves throughout November for addressing franchise fatigue in the film industry, seemingly calling out Marvel in the process. In the same month, the anime adaptation revival Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (which Wright executive produced, after directing the 2010 live-action film adaptation) hit Netflix with eight episodes--extending another franchise. No news has been announced regarding a Season 2 for Scott Pilgrim's return.