‘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 on Directing His Most Expensive Movie

Director Edgar Wright shares his experience working on The Running Man, his most costly film to date, including the challenges of shooting in extreme cold and the process of adapting Stephen King’s dystopian novel.

Filming in Freezing Conditions

Glen Powell, playing a game-show contestant fighting for survival, was filmed nearly naked in below-freezing temperatures in Bulgaria. Suspended eight stories high from a rope and wearing only a towel, Powell endured the freezing weather while Edgar Wright observed from the ground, bundled in a parka and sipping espresso.

Days earlier, a blizzard covered the country in snow, making the shoot the coldest in Wright’s career.

Dangerous Stunts and Actor Resolve

In a pivotal scene, Powell’s character escapes deadly hunters by leaping out of a hotel window and rappelling down the building’s side with minimal clothing.

“It’s always temporary pain for eternal cinematic glory,” Powell joked.

Edgar Wright’s Direction Style

Known for his unique, genre-blending films like Hot Fuzz and Baby Driver, Wright is known for his meticulous approach to filming action sequences. He is obsessive about precision, spending extensive time to perfect shots.

During the shoot, Powell hung suspended by a harness for 30 minutes while the camera crew reset for the next take.

Stephen King’s Approval

Wright’s adaptation stays faithful to King’s vision, earning the author’s positive response, further encouraging Wright during this demanding production.

Author’s Summary

Edgar Wright’s dedication and careful craftsmanship shaped The Running Man into a high-stakes, visually precise adaptation filmed under harsh conditions.

Variety — 2025-11-06