‘The Running Man’: Edgar Wright on Directing His Most Expensive Movie Ever, Shooting Glen Powell Naked in the Freezing Cold and Getting Stephen King’s Approval

‘The Running Man’: Edgar Wright Reflects on His Biggest Film

Director Edgar Wright is finishing production on The Running Man, his most expensive and physically challenging project yet. Filming took place in freezing Bulgaria amid harsh winter conditions, including a recent blizzard.

Challenges of Shooting in Extreme Cold

Glen Powell, who stars as a contestant in the story, performed a demanding scene nearly naked, wearing only a towel. Suspended eight stories high from a rope, he rappelled down a building's side in subzero temperatures. Wright observed the scene from the ground, bundled in a parka and sipping espresso.

“It’s always temporary pain for eternal cinematic glory,” joked Powell about enduring the cold during filming.

Wright’s Unique Style and Precision

Known for cult hits like Hot Fuzz and Baby Driver, Wright combines quirky genre elements with carefully crafted action. He is highly detail-oriented, choreographing sequences meticulously and focusing intensely on capturing the perfect shot, as seen in the 30 minutes Powell spent hanging by a harness while the camera reset.

About the Story

The film is an adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel. It follows Powell's character as he tries to survive a deadly game-show, evading hunters in a high-stakes race.

Wright’s adaptation has Stephen King’s endorsement, adding weight to the project’s ambition.

Author’s summary: Edgar Wright’s The Running Man pushed physical and creative boundaries, blending harsh conditions with precise direction for a bold cinematic experience.

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Variety Variety — 2025-11-06

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