Hollywood Star Shares Journey of Securing Stephen King’s Approval for Iconic Role

Glen Powell, a prominent Hollywood actor, recently shared his experience of obtaining Stephen King’s approval for a role in the adaptation of “The Running Man.” This project is directed by Edgar Wright, who had already expressed his interest in casting Powell.

Seeking Stephen King’s Approval

Powell revealed that he had swiftly accepted the offer from Wright, excited about the opportunity. However, he soon learned that he needed King’s endorsement before proceeding.

During a panel discussion at New York Comic Con, Powell recounted, “Edgar offered me this movie, and I was like, ‘Yes.’” He went on to explain the anxious wait he faced, saying, “I had to wait overnight for Stephen King to watch Hit Man and hope that I still had the role in the morning. It’s terrible.”

Previous Instances of King’s Casting Approval

This situation is not unprecedented. Stephen King has retained casting approval rights for his adaptations in the past. Notably, actors Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey faced similar circumstances regarding King’s greenlight for the 2017 film adaptation of “The Dark Tower.” Such occurrences highlight the importance of King’s influence in the adaptation process.

Conclusion

Glen Powell’s journey to securing a role in “The Running Man” underscores the significant role Stephen King plays in film adaptations of his works. As film adaptations continue to rise in popularity, the involvement of the original authors remains crucial, ensuring that the essence of their stories is preserved on screen.