As a movie buff with a penchant for action-packed dystopian thrillers and a deep appreciation for character actors who can bring villains to life, I am beyond excited about Josh Brolin joining the cast of Edgar Wright’s upcoming adaptation of “The Running Man.” Having watched Brolin’s career evolve from a talented supporting player in films like “No Country for Old Men” and “Milk,” to his unforgettable portrayal of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I can confidently say that he has proven himself more than capable of delivering a chilling performance as the antagonist behind this violent reality show.
In Edgar Wright’s upcoming adaptation of “The Running Man,” originally a 1982 novel by Stephen King, Glen Powell has locked horns with Josh Brolin who is in negotiations to portray the antagonist. This role seems fitting for Brolin, given his past experience as an on-screen villain, and even once posing a significant threat to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that according to Deadline, I’ve learned Josh Brolin is set to join the modern take on “The Running Man” from Paramount Pictures. The specifics of his character are yet to be revealed, but given he’s labeled as the “villain behind the brutal reality show,” it seems Brolin might embody Dan Killian – a role originally played by game-show host Richard Dawson in the 1987 version featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. In this chilling novel by Stephen King, published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, Killian is the mastermind behind a reality show where participants are compelled to flee for their lives from trained assassins, with the promise of winning a substantial cash prize. If negotiations finalize, Brolin will join the previously mentioned Powell alongside Karl Glusman, Katy O’Brian, and Daniel Ezra in this gripping project.
Alongside directing the film, Wright collaborated with Michael Bacall on the script, drawing inspiration from King’s novel. Wright is also set to produce the project, working alongside Nira Park and Simon Kinberg. George Linder will serve as executive producer. If all goes according to plan, the movie is scheduled for release over Thanksgiving weekend, opening in theaters on November 21, 2025.
The Running Man Was Already Adapted as a Vehicle For Arnold Schwarzenegger
Previously, the story “The Running Man” was transformed into the 1987 action-thriller featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This film is set in a bleak future where criminals, referred to as “runners,” are hunted down for sport on a popular television show. The original cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger as Captain Ben Richards, who was sent to a forced labor camp after he refused to shoot unarmed protesters in Bakersfield, California. Damon Killian, portrayed by Richard Dawson, manipulates Richards into participating in the show by spreading lies about his insanity. In this adaptation, Killian is a combination of characters from the original novel. The movie also features Maria Conchita Alonso, Yaphet Kotto, and Jesse Ventura.
As a devoted cinephile, I can proudly say that the film, back in the ’80s, became one of Schwarzenegger’s iconic masterpieces, earning $38 million against a production budget of only $27 million. The critical reception upon release was split, but over time, it transformed into a cult classic. More recent appraisals suggest that this movie, in its uncanny prescience, has made strikingly accurate predictions about our world today.
Brolin is no stranger to taking on the role of the Big Bad, having played Thanos in the MCU’s Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. In all honesty, it doesn’t get more evil than that, so The Running Man should be in good hands with Brolin as its villain.
The Running Man
hits screens on November 21, 2025.
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2024-10-18 01:33