The Running Man (2025) cast & characters: Meet the stars behind the film and the roles they play

Based on 1982 Stephen King's novel of the same title, The Running Man is an upcoming dystopian action thriller film directed by Edgar Wright. Co-written by Wright and Michael Bacall, the film is the second adaptation of the novel after the 1987 film.

The plot unfolds in a near-future, economically ruined society where the top-rated television show, The Running Man, is a deadly competition. Working-class Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell) is forced to enter the game to secure the grand prize and save his gravely ill daughter.

The film features Josh Brolin as the ruthless producer Dan Killian, Colman Domingo as the show’s host. The film features Lee Pace, Michael Cera, and Emilia Jones in supporting roles, among other actors. The film is set to hit the theatres in the U.S. on November 14, 2025.

Josh Brolin, Glen Powell lead the ensemble of Edgar Wright's The Running Man

Glen Powell at the New York Comic Con 2025 (Image via Getty)

The Top Gun: Maverick star is set to appear as Ben Richards in Wright's upcoming dystopian action thriller film. The American actor most recently featured in Hulu's sports comedy television series, Chad Powers, which debuted on the platform on September 30, 2025.

Powell is widely popular for his roles in films such as Hit Man (2023) and Hidden Figures (2017). The Twisters star has earned secured a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Hidden Figures and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance in Hit Man.

Josh Brolin at the Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Opening Gala (Image via Getty)

Famed for his portrayal of the formidable villain Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, actor Josh Brolin once again features as a villain, this time in the dystopian action thriller, The Running Man. He will play the part of Dan Killian, the producer of the deadly show.

Brolin's first major hit was in the 1985 classic The Goonies, but it was the Coen Brothers' 2007 masterpiece No Country for Old Men that gave his career a real comeback. The Avengers: Infinity War actor is also set to appear in Wake Up Dead Man, releasing on November 26. Additionally, he has several upcoming projects scheduled for 2026, including Dune: Part Three and the post-apocalyptic sci-fi film The Dog Stars.

Coleman Domingo In Philadelphia (Image via Getty)

The Euphoria fame Coleman Domingo will appear as the host of The Running Man in the upcoming film. The American actor had his big breakthrough when he appeared as Victor Strand in the AMC series Fear the Walking Dead (2015-2023). However, he earned global fame with his Emmy-winning performance as the recovering drug addict and sponsor Ali in the HBO drama Euphoria.

The Sing Sing actor is also set to appear as Joseph Jackson in the upcoming biographical musical drama film, Michael (2026), based on the life of the late American singer, Michael Jackson. He is also voicing The Cowardly Lion in the musical fantasy, Wicked: For Good, which is set for release on November 21, 2025.