Glen Powell Interview for Ben Richards in The Running Man
Glen Powell is starring as Ben Richards in Edgar Wright’s upcoming film The Running Man, an adaptation of Stephen King's story. The plot follows Ben, a father desperate to find medicine for his sick daughter, who ends up on a deadly game show fighting for his life.
Ben Richards’ Character and Powell’s Perspective
We discussed with Powell the distinct honesty and straightforwardness of Ben Richards compared to his own personality. While Powell has spoken candidly about social anxiety, especially in a recent podcast interview with Jake Shane on Therapuss, Ben Richards is almost its opposite.
“Every time you play a character, you take aspects from that character. You say ‘okay, these are things I’ll leave at the door and these are things I’ll take.’ And I love the candor of Ben. I love how he kind of cuts through the bs. He just kind of says what he means,” Powell said.
Except for his wife and daughter, Ben Richards shows little concern about others' opinions, thriving on his honesty and directness. This was a unique aspect of playing Ben, as Powell had to let go of his own tendencies to overthink social interactions.
Additional Insights
- Powell views this role as his biggest to date.
- The film centers on a gripping survival story within a dystopian setting.
- Ben Richards’ fearless attitude contrasts with Powell’s personal experience of social anxiety.
The role allowed Powell to explore a character defined by blunt honesty and a lack of concern for societal judgment, highlighting a powerful narrative about survival and integrity.
Author's Summary: Glen Powell embraces playing Ben Richards, a fearless, honest father in a high-stakes survival story, contrasting his own social anxieties and showcasing a bold, compelling role.