‘The Running Man’: Edgar Wright on His Most Ambitious Film
Director Edgar Wright reflects on creating his most expensive and challenging film yet — a bold adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel The Running Man. Filming took place in Bulgaria under harsh winter conditions, pushing the cast and crew to their limits.
Filming in Extreme Cold
In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, actor Glen Powell hangs nearly naked, save for a towel, from a rope eight stories above the ground. The shoot occurred during subzero February temperatures, shortly after a blizzard had covered the country in snow. Wright, watching from below in a heavy parka and sipping espresso, oversaw the tense sequence.
“It’s always temporary pain for eternal cinematic glory,” joked Glen Powell.
Wright’s Dedication to Precision
Known for his inventive and kinetic storytelling in films like Hot Fuzz and Baby Driver, Wright approached this project with his signature blend of energy and precision. His attention to every detail made the demanding physical scenes possible, even under such extreme conditions.
The director’s focus remained fixed on Powell, who endured long takes suspended by a harness as the crew reset the camera multiple times to capture the perfect shot.
Author’s Summary
Edgar Wright’s icy Bulgarian shoot for The Running Man pushed Glen Powell and the crew to extremes, showcasing the director’s relentless pursuit of cinematic perfection.