Glen Powell Interview for Ben Richards in The Running Man
Glen Powell takes on his biggest role yet as Ben Richards in Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man. The film follows Ben, a father desperate to find medicine for his sick daughter, who ends up on a deadly game show where he must fight for his life.
On the Character of Ben Richards
Powell shared insights about Ben Richards, highlighting how the character’s honesty sets him apart. Unlike Powell, who has spoken openly about his social anxiety—especially about leaving events and second-guessing his interactions—Ben is unapologetically indifferent to others’ opinions.
“Every time you play a character, you take aspects from that character. You say ‘okay, these are things I’ll leave at the door and these are things I’ll take.’ And I love the candor of Ben. I love how he kind of cuts through the bs. He just kind of says what he means,” Powell said.
Powell's Perspective on Playing Ben Richards
Powell admires Ben’s straightforwardness and the way he thrives without worrying about judgment, aside from his care for his wife and daughter. This candid approach is almost the opposite of Powell’s own experiences with social anxiety.
Context of the Interview
Powell recently discussed his social anxiety in an interview on Jake Shane’s Therapuss podcast, providing contrast to the fearless nature of Ben Richards.
Author’s summary: Glen Powell embraces the candid and fearless nature of Ben Richards, a father fighting for his daughter in The Running Man, contrasting sharply with his own social anxieties.