Actor Glen Powell has been officially cast in the lead role of Ben Richards for Edgar Wright’s upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel “The Running Man.” A unique condition preceded his signing: Powell had to receive direct approval from the legendary author, Stephen King himself. This intriguing requirement was revealed by Powell at New York Comic Con, where he shared the anxious waiting period he endured.

Edgar Wright offered Powell the coveted role, but with the caveat that King would need to give his blessing. Powell recounted the suspenseful night when Wright informed him that King would be watching his 2023 romantic crime comedy, “Hit Man,” directed by Richard Linklater, to make a judgment. “I had to wait overnight for Stephen King to watch ‘Hit Man’ and hope that I still had the role in the morning. It’s terrible,” Powell candidly stated, highlighting the pressure he felt.

Fortunately for Powell, King was thoroughly impressed with “Hit Man,” paving the way for his approval. With King’s green light, Powell was confirmed for the role of Ben Richards, a working-class man driven by desperation to help his ailing daughter. In the dystopian narrative, Ben decides to participate in a deadly television program where contestants, known as Runners, must survive for 30 days while being relentlessly hunted by professional assassins. Every moment of their struggle is broadcast to a bloodthirsty public, with each passing day promising a greater cash reward for their survival.

King’s original 1982 novel previously saw a big-screen adaptation in 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, Wright has indicated that his new film will be “more faithful to the book,” while also incorporating contemporary, 21st-century elements. Powell elaborated on this modern twist, noting, “The coolest part about this [film] that I’m just really excited about is Edgar decided to take this [story] — loyal to the book — out in the real world. Citizens can record [and] report you. They can take you out. So there’s this sort of, like, ever-present feeling of tension that’s throughout the entire movie. It’s relentless.” This approach promises a heightened sense of realism and danger, reflecting current societal trends in surveillance and public engagement. “The Running Man” is set to premiere in theaters on November 14, distributed by Paramount Pictures.