Glen Powell Needed Stephen King’s Approval for THE RUNNING MAN Role

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I once saw Stephen King at Fenway Park, and it was a really strange experience! He seemed like a larger-than-life figure, especially wearing a Red Sox cap. I can’t even picture what it would be like to talk to him. That makes me think about Glen Powell, who had an even more unusual experience. He actually had to spend a whole night waiting for Stephen King to watch one of his films, hoping King would approve of him starring in Edgar Wright’s *The Running Man*.

I learned something really interesting at New York Comic Con, as reported by *People* magazine. Apparently, when Edgar Wright offered me the lead role in his new movie based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, I immediately said yes! But it wasn’t official yet. Edgar called me later that day and explained that Stephen King himself needed to approve my casting. So, before giving the go-ahead, King decided he wanted to watch my film *Hit Man* first!

Powell had to spend a nerve-wracking night waiting for Stephen King to see the film *Hit Man* to find out if he still had the part. He described the experience as “terrible,” and understandably surreal. Luckily, King “loved” the film, and Powell landed the role of Ben Richards – the lead character in *The Running Man* who’s forced to compete in a dangerous, life-or-death game.

Powell wasn’t the only one who found the process of getting Stephen King’s approval stressful. Writer Dave Wright described a similar experience after submitting his script, comparing it to the anxiety of turning in schoolwork. Luckily, King also enjoyed Wright’s work.

While enjoying Wright’s writing and Powell’s acting in *Hit Man* is nice, the most important thing is what the author of the original novel, King, thinks of the film adaptation.

I definitely can’t imagine what it’s like waiting to find out if Stephen King likes that.

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2025-10-20 18:02