The 'Ordinary' Arnie? Glen Powell Reboots 'The Running Man'
Hollywood is often said to no longer produce true movie stars. So when Glen Powell, with his square jaw and natural charisma, was cast to take on Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic role in the reboot of The Running Man, it sparked excitement.
However, Powell, a polite Texan who left Los Angeles to return to Austin as his career grew, downplays any special status. "I don't find myself to be exceptional," the 37-year-old told AFP. "That era of action stars and movie stars? You can't really compare apples to oranges."
A Different Kind of Hero
Powell's character, Ben Richards, presented in the new Running Man — released on Friday — contrasts sharply with the invincible action icons of the 20th century like Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Gibson. Those heroes were typically soldiers, police, or skilled fighters.
Ben Richards is more of an everyman, lacking special skills but equipped with rugged determination and a short temper. He is forced to participate in a deadly game show where the whole world tries to kill him. His goal is to survive long enough to win prize money and buy medicine to save his daughter’s life.
"I've always identified myself as an underdog," Powell said. "Some of my favorite movies are ordinary people against extraordinary odds. And you don't get more ordinary than Ben."
Summary: Glen Powell redefines the classic action hero in The Running Man reboot as an everyman fighting for survival, emphasizing the underdog spirit over invincibility.