Josh Brolin joins the cast of "The Running Man" remake

The remake of Stephen King's "The Running Man" is making ever greater progress. Now Josh Brolin is joining the cast of the thriller.

Specifically, according to Deadline, Brolin will take on the role of the antagonist behind the deadly show.

"The Running Man" is set in the year 2025 and revolves around the desperate protagonist Ben Richards, who takes part in the extreme reality show "The Running Man". The show offers the chance to win a fortune, but at the cost of one's own life. The participants, known as "Runners", have to flee from a group of hunters who want to kill them. "The Running Man" was first shown in cinemas in 1988 – back then with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the leading role. Cult director Edgar Wright will be responsible for the remake. The leading role of Ben Richards will be played by Glen Powell. Powell and Brolin will be joined by Karl Glusman, "Love Lies Bleeding" actress Katy O'Brian and Daniel Ezra. A start date is not yet known.

The career of Edgar Wright: from British cult director to global success

Today, Edgar Wright is one of the most innovative and style-defining filmmakers of his generation. Known for his unique visual style, precise editing technique and humorous approach to genre films, Wright has built an impressive career ranging from small British productions to global blockbusters. From the "Cornetto Trilogy" to successes such as "Baby Driver", he has established himself not only as a director, but also as a screenwriter and producer.

Early years and first successes

Edgar Wright was born in Poole, Dorset, England, in 1974 and showed a great passion for film and television from a young age. He began making short films with a Super 8 camera while still at school, before later studying film at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art. His first big step into the entertainment industry came in 1995 when he directed the sitcom "Asylum". However, his real breakthrough came with the British TV series "Spaced" (1999-2001) , which he developed together with Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson.

"Spaced" was a creative sitcom about two flatmates living in London and dealing with their lives as geeks. The series was characterized by its references to pop culture, movies and video games, which made it a cult classic. The collaboration with Pegg and Stevenson would prove to be pivotal in Wright's career, as it laid the foundation for the subsequent success of the "Cornetto Trilogy".

The "Cornetto Trilogy": Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End

Wright's international breakthrough came with the "Cornetto Trilogy", consisting of "Shaun of the Dead" (2004), "Hot Fuzz" (2007) and "The World's End" (2013). These three films are loosely connected genre parodies, each unique in their style and humor.

"Shaun of the Dead" was a clever mix of zombie film and romantic comedy that combined Wright's love of the horror genre and British humor. The film was a huge success and established Wright and his lead actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost internationally.

"Hot Fuzz" is a parody of the buddy cop genre and uses action film clichés in a humorous way. Here, too, Wright impressed with his precise editing, fast-paced staging and flair for humorous characters.

"The World's End" concluded the trilogy and combined science fiction elements with a coming-of-age story. The film dealt with nostalgia, friendship and the challenges of growing up and was praised for its emotional depth without losing the typical Wright humor.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

In 2010, Wright released the movie "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World", an adaptation of the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The movie is a hyperactive mix of comics, video games and indie rock culture. Although "Scott Pilgrim" was not initially a great success at the box office, it quickly developed a cult status. Wright's creative use of visual effects, quick cuts and the unique narrative style made "Scott Pilgrim" a groundbreaking film that is now considered one of the most innovative films of the 2010s.

The break with Marvel and the success of Baby Driver

Edgar Wright was hired by Marvel Studios to work on "Ant-Man". However, after years of pre-production, creative differences arose which ultimately led to Wright leaving the project. Although this was a major setback, it didn't stop Wright from continuing to focus on his own projects.

In 2017, he released "Baby Driver", a stylized action film that combined Wright's love of music and his talent for precise action sequences. Ansel Elgort plays a getaway driver who does his jobs to the rhythm of the music. "Baby Driver" was a worldwide success and brought Wright much acclaim from both critics and audiences. The film received several nominations at major awards ceremonies, including three Oscar nominations.

Last Night in Soho: a new direction

With "Last Night in Soho" (2021), Edgar Wright ventured into new territory and took on psychological horror. The film tells the story of a young woman who is transported back to the 1960s and loses herself in a world of glamor and darkness. Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy play the leading roles in this dark and stylish thriller.

"Last Night in Soho" differs greatly from Wright's previous work, particularly in its more serious tone and intense atmosphere. The film is a tribute to the swinging sixties and the psychological thrillers of the era, but also a critical look at the dark side of fame and nostalgia.