Edgar Wright Directs 'The Running Man'
Director Edgar Wright is behind The Running Man, his most expensive and challenging film to date. The production took place in freezing February Bulgaria, under harsh conditions including a recent blizzard that covered the area in snow.
Filming in Extreme Conditions
Actor Glen Powell, portraying a game-show contestant in a dystopian race for survival based on Stephen King's novel, performed a demanding stunt. He dangled nearly naked, save for a towel, from a rope eight stories high in subzero weather while Wright observed from the ground, dressed warmly and enjoying espresso.
Stunt Details and Preparation
Powell’s scene involved escaping deadly hunters by jumping from a hotel window and rappelling down a building’s side with minimal clothing.
"It's always temporary pain for eternal cinematic glory," Powell joked about enduring the cold during the shoot.
Wright’s Filmmaking Style
Known for his cult classics like Hot Fuzz and Baby Driver, Wright is famed for his meticulous choreography of action scenes and obsessive attention to capturing the perfect shot. During this shoot, his camera stayed tightly focused on Powell, who hung on a harness for 30 minutes while multiple takes were prepared.
Stephen King’s Approval
The film is an adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel, and Wright’s approach reflects a commitment to honoring the source material with intense, immersive filmmaking.
Summary
Edgar Wright endured freezing conditions to direct his most ambitious film yet, tackling intricate stunts and gaining Stephen King's endorsement while capturing gripping action on camera.