The Running Manhas cast a prominentDuneand Marvel Cinematic Universe star to portray its lead villain, starring opposite Glen Powell in the remake of Stephen King’s novel. Originally written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, the dystopian novel was loosely adapted into a movie of the same name starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987. Aremake ofThe Running Mandirected by Edgar Wright (Baby Driver,Last Night in Soho) is currently in development, with Powell ofTop Gun: Maverickfame set to portray Ben Richards.
Now,Deadlinehas confirmedJosh Brolin, best known for his roles as Thanos in the MCU and Gurney Halleck in theDunemovies, will be portraying the villain ofThe Running Man. Details about his role are sparse, although it’s reported he’ll be portraying a producer behind the deadly reality show Powell’s Ben will be participating in. Deadline’sJustin Krollalso confirmed he won’t be portraying Richard Dawson’s Damon Killian from the previous adaptation.
Alongside him and the lead actor will be Katy O’Brien and Daniel Ezra, whose roles also remain unknown.
What Josh Brolin’s Casting Means For The Running Man Remake
The Actor Can Pull From His Past Villain Roles
One of Brolin’s most well-known roles in recent years is Thanos, the antagonistic alien who tried to wipe out half the universe’s population out of a misguided attempt to make natural resources less scarce. The complexity of this role makes him the perfect fit for an equally intriguing villain inPowell’sThe Running Manremake. Much like the novel,the movie will focus on Ben willingly participating in a violent reality showin order to get enough money to pay for medicine his sick daughter desperately needs.
New Remake Of 1987 Stephen King Movie Is Repeating A Terrifying Release Date Trick From 40-Year-Old Sci-Fi Thriller
Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the Stephen King book The Running Man is released in 2025, which adds a level of dystopia.
The premise ofThe Running Manremake indicates a much darker rendition than Schwarzenegger’s, which might mean a darker role for Brolin. Since some ofBrolin’s best movieshave the actor portraying morally gray characters, his portrayal as a producer for the reality show could be layered and nuanced, offering a different perspective on the dystopian show. Because he won’t be playing Dawson’s character from the original, there’s plenty of room for how his character gets presented, and what his overall impact on the plot will be.
Our Take On Josh Brolin Getting Cast In The Running Man
He’ll Make For An Intimidating Antagonist
Even though nothing definitive has been revealed about his character, Brolin’s acting career makes him perfect for a villain role inThe Running Man. Although the movie isn’t slated for release until July 31, 2025, his early casting shows how important his casting must have been to the vision of the film. Because of this, it appears his villain will be a key element of the story, potentially one of the most difficult obstacles Ben will have to deal with as he tries to win the deadly game.
The Running Manis one of three Stephen King adaptations confirmed for 2025, the other two beingThe Monkeymovie, and HBO’sIt: Welcome to DerryTV show.
The Running Man
Cast
The Running Man centers on a man participating in a perilous game show where contestants evade deadly “Hunters” in a global pursuit.
