Actor Glen Powell, who is all set to essay Ben Richards in the upcoming dystopian black comedy action film The Running Man, recently revealed that his mom Cyndy, is not happy about his role.
The film revolves around the character's participation in a game show where "runner" contestants have to escape death from professional killers to win a giant cash prize. The story was previously adapted for the screen in 1987, with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the starring role.
While audiences are eargerly anticipating his role in the film, Powell admitted that his mom is worried about his character working on a lot of stunts. "I'm getting to do some really cool stuff and that really worries my mom," he shared.
Since the film involves his character running for miles, he confessed thinking to himself after roping in the role, "'Man, I'm gonna get my ass kicked for two hours in this movie'."
"You have a guy that's basically on the run, at the highest stakes game show of all time, where the survival rate is zero, and he's trying to beat the odds. It's a great underdog story," he added.
Powell also expressed his happiness on Schwarzenegger giving him his blessing. "His son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, is a great friend of mine, and I asked Patrick if I could talk to Arnold, and I hadn't seen Arnold since we shot Expendables in Bulgaria," Powell said.
"Arnold gave us his full blessing, and we get to give Arnold a very specific fun gift from the film in a couple of weeks here. So I'm very excited to see him," he added.
The Edgar Wright directorial also stars Josh Brolin as the producer of the show. The film is an adaptation of Stephen King's dystopian novel The Running Man, which offers a satirical take on capitalism. Michael Bacall and Wright adapted the novel for the screen. The film reunites Bacall and Wright after collaborations on Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Project X, and 21 Jump Street. The film also stars Colman Domingo (show host), Katy O’Brian, Michael Cera, William H Macy, Emilia Jones and Lee Pace.
The Running Man continues Powell's turns as a lead star after 2023's Anyone but You as well as 2024's Twisters and Hit Man. The actor recently discussed failing an audition for a lead role in Top Gun: Maverick, only for its lead actor Tom Cruise to bring him back in a supporting role. The Running Man is slated for release on November 7 in theatres.
