Lee Pace Embraces Villainy and Mystery in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man

Lee Pace plays a deadly Hunter in Edgar Wright’s new film, The Running Man. The movie is a fresh adaptation of the dystopian Stephen King novel. It hit theaters this weekend.

Pace’s character, Evan McCone, is the masked enforcer for a brutal game show. He hunts down contestants like Glen Powell’s Ben Richards for public entertainment.

Finding the Fun in a Masked Antagonist

Pace was thrilled to get the call from director Edgar Wright. He described the role as a mysterious and complicated character. The actor enjoyed portraying McCone’s relaxed, unbothered demeanor during the deadly chase.

His main motivation on set was to make Wright laugh. Pace found humor in the character’s nonchalance and the intimidating mask. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he relished giving multiple takes to explore different options for the performance.

Thematic Relevance in a Dystopian Satire

The film’s themes of media manipulation and deepfake technology feel strikingly current. King’s original story, written in 1982, was set in 2025, adding a layer of prescience.

Pace hopes audiences find the movie’s commentary on power and violence thought-provoking. He emphasizes that the film is a thrilling satire, not a reflection of our true reality. The core of the story remains Glen Powell’s character finding a way to survive the hostile game.

The new film offers a sharp, modern take on a classic story. Lee Pace’s performance adds a chilling and charismatic layer to this high-stakes thriller.

Info at your fingertips

What is The Running Man about?

It is a film about a deadly reality game show where contestants are hunted for sport. The show’s producers use disinformation to manipulate the public. Glen Powell’s character must run for his life.

Who does Lee Pace play in the movie?

He plays Evan McCone, the chief Hunter tasked with eliminating the main character. McCone is a mysterious and complicated antagonist. He is portrayed as a hero within the show’s fabricated narrative.

Is this a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie?

No, this is a new adaptation of the original 1982 Stephen King novel. The previous 1987 film starring Schwarzenegger was also based on the same book. This version offers a different interpretation from director Edgar Wright.

What was it like working with Edgar Wright?

Pace described it as a pinch-me moment and that he is a huge fan of the director. He stated that Wright made exactly the movie he had envisioned from the start. The collaborative environment allowed for creative exploration on set.

How does the film relate to today’s world?

The movie explores themes of media manipulation and the use of deepfake technology. These concepts have become increasingly relevant in modern society. The film uses these ideas as the foundation for its dystopian satire.