Edgar Wright Reveals The Running Man's Secret Brolin Family Easter Egg With A Much Deeper Meaning

Edgar Wright Reveals Secret Brolin Family Easter Egg in The Running Man

Director Edgar Wright shared an exclusive insight about a hidden Easter egg in his adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man. This discovery involves actor Josh Brolin, who plays the villain Dan Killian, and carries a meaningful connection to his family.

Family Connection in the Cast

Wright explained in an interview with ScreenRant's Ash Crossan that Josh Brolin is not the only member of his family featured in the film. His father, James Brolin, also appears, a coincidence the director found noteworthy.

"Josh Brolin is not the only Brolin in this movie. By complete coincidence, his dad is in it as well."

How the Easter Egg Came to Be

Interestingly, James Brolin was cast for the film even before Josh was. His presence is included through a clip from the older action thriller Skyjacked, in which James played the hijacker. Wright only realized the family link after Josh was cast and decided to incorporate this subtle nod.

"So we wrote that in. We got the clip cleared — and this was all before Josh Brolin was cast as Killian. And then when Josh Brolin was cast, I suddenly said to him, 'Hey, your dad’s in the movie too,' because James Brolin plays the hijacker in Skyjacked."

Summary

Edgar Wright’s choice to include James Brolin’s old film clip alongside Josh Brolin's role adds a layered family Easter egg, enriching The Running Man with a meaningful inside reference.

Author’s Conclusion

This clever inclusion deepens the film's texture by linking the Brolin family across generations through a uniquely timed casting coincidence.

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Screen Rant Screen Rant — 2025-11-01

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