Josh Brolin Set to Play Villain in Edgar Wright’s Adaptation of “The Running Man”

Josh Brolin is reportedly in final negotiations to take on the role of the villain in Paramount Pictures’ remake of “The Running Man,” directed by Edgar Wright. This new adaptation is based on the novel by Stephen King, initially published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.

Although specific details about Brolin’s role have not been disclosed, sources indicate that he will portray the antagonist orchestrating the events behind the violent reality show at the heart of the film.

The upcoming film has already enlisted Karl Glusman, Katy O’Brian, and Daniel Ezra among its cast, with a release date scheduled for November 21, 2025. Alongside directing responsibilities, Edgar Wright is co-writing the script with collaborator Michael Bacall. The production team also includes Nira Park and Simon Kinberg as producers, with George Linder as the executive producer.

“The Running Man” is famously known for its 1987 film adaptation featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The story is a chase thriller set in a dystopian future, focusing on Ben Richards, a man desperate to win a deadly game show to secure enough money to help his critically ill daughter. In the brutal game, Richards is pursued by hunters tasked with killing him.

In addition to his work on this film, Brolin is also publishing his memoir, “From Under the Truck,” due out on November 19. He will appear in the third installment of the “Knives Out” series, “Wake Up Dead Man.” Brolin’s notable filmography includes roles in “Dune: Part Two,” as Marvel’s Thanos in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” “Milk,” “True Grit,” “No Country for Old Men,” Oliver Stone‘s “W.,” “American Gangster,” “Sicario,” and “Inherent Vice.”

Josh Brolin is represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as well as Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett, Kole and Relevant.