Edgar Wright Explains How ‘The Running Man’ Differs From ‘John Wick’

by

Edgar Wright is directing a new movie based on Stephen King’s novel, The Running Man, which will be released on November 14th. Fans are excited for this film, and it looks action-packed! Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, who finds himself competing in a dangerous reality show where he’s hunted by professional killers. While the story shares some similarities with John Wick – both feature a man being hunted worldwide – Wright feels his main character is quite different.

Director Paul Michael Glaser recently explained to SFX Magazine (via GamesRadar+) that the story of Ben Richards in The Running Man is more grounded and relatable than typical action heroes. He feels the film’s focus on realism, by removing overly fantastical elements, makes it less about seeking fame and more believable.

The movie builds tension rather than relying on action. It’s about a character who needs to blend in, not stand out and fight. The story keeps you intensely involved because you experience everything directly through his eyes – we’re with him the whole time and only see what he sees. The filmmakers avoid showing other perspectives, keeping the focus entirely on his journey.

We aimed for realism in our scenes. Over the past twenty years, action movies have become increasingly over-the-top and visually stylized, largely due to the influence of Hong Kong action cinema – think films like Kill Bill, John Wick, and even some of my own work. With this project, and considering the character of Ben Richards, we wanted to create something more down-to-earth and relatable.

I’ve always been a fan of actors like Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, and Harrison Ford. What’s been especially exciting about this movie is that we’re doing everything practically – no relying on computer-generated effects. It’s all filmed live, right in front of the camera. The explosions and action are real, and you really feel like you’re in the middle of it all.

Ben Richards Isn’t Your Average Action Hero in ‘The Running Man’


Paramount Pictures

Wright and Michael Bacall put their own creative stamp on the story, even altering the ending, but the main reason Ben Richards is fighting remains the same. He wants the money, of course, but he’s also rebelling against authority.

While Wright’s take on the hero’s journey might not be as dark as the classic version, it still feels impactful. It’s not simply a story about surviving; as Wright explained when discussing The Running Man and similar films, it’s about everyday people facing impossible challenges.

This film is packed with references to classic action movies like Die Hard and Escape From New York. At its heart, it’s a story about everyday people facing impossible challenges.

Read More

2025-11-09 20:47