Fans of The Running Man are buzzing after Glen Powell revealed the extreme lengths taken during filming of the 2025 remake, including a freezing “towel scene” in Bulgaria and genuinely surprising on-set explosions, all while forming lasting bonds with Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo.
The iconic dystopian classic, The Running Man, is returning to the big screen in a highly anticipated remake, and its star, Glen Powell, has already given fans a thrilling preview of the intense behind-the-scenes action. Speaking at New York Comic Con on October 10, 2025, Powell dished on everything from enduring frigid filming conditions to unexpected stunt mishaps and the profound friendships forged on set.
The Running Man: A Legacy Reimagined
For fans of classic cinema, the very mention of The Running Man evokes images of a grim, televised hunt for survival. The original 1987 film, starring action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger and loosely based on Stephen King’s novel, captured the anxieties of a media-saturated future where entertainment bordered on the barbaric. Now, acclaimed director Edgar Wright, known for his distinctive visual style and sharp humor in films like Baby Driver and Shaun of the Dead, is bringing a fresh vision to this beloved cult classic. This new adaptation promises to reignite discussions about the original’s themes, offering a modern take on a dystopian narrative that remains eerily relevant.
Glen Powell’s casting as the lead, a man forced to survive 30 days while being pursued by assassins on a national TV show, has generated significant excitement. The remake, set to premiere on November 14, 2025, aims to blend intense action with a compelling story, building on the foundation of its predecessor while carving its own identity. As Variety reported earlier, the project has been in development for some time, with Wright at the helm, promising a unique cinematic experience.
Winter Woes and Wardrobe Wonders: The Infamous “Towel Scene”
One of the most memorable anecdotes from Powell’s Comic Con panel involved a particular “towel scene” that sounds anything but glamorous. “Edgar asked me to do [a] towel scene in the summertime. We shot that in February in Bulgaria,” Powell recounted, adding with a laugh, “We become friends really fast.” Filming a scene meant to evoke warmth and ease in the biting cold of a Bulgarian winter underscores the dedication often required on set, even for the most seemingly innocuous moments.
This experience highlights not only the comedic irony of filmmaking but also the actor’s commitment to the role. Such anecdotes often become legendary among fan communities, offering a glimpse into the human element behind blockbuster productions. It’s these kinds of details that deepen a film’s lore and connect audiences more intimately with the creative process.
Authentic Reactions: The Thrill of Unexpected Stunts
Beyond the chilly towel scene, The Running Man promises plenty of heart-pounding action, and Powell revealed some genuinely terrifying stunt moments. Speaking exclusively to People, the Top Gun: Maverick actor shared instances where his reactions were undoubtedly authentic.
Powell described falling down the side of a building, where a cable was released “a little before I thought it was going to be let loose.” He admitted that “if you fall even just a couple feet down the side of a building when you’re not expecting it, it’s a little nerve-wracking.” Another adrenaline-inducing moment involved “a few more explosions that hit me in the face [than expected], and a fire extinguisher that exploded before it was supposed to that definitely took me by surprise.”
These unplanned surprises, Powell explained, are often a filmmaker’s secret weapon. “I always try to film the rehearsal. I always try to keep myself surprised because that’s all the good stuff. You never want to be too surefooted on a set,” he mused. This philosophy of embracing the unpredictable suggests that audiences can expect raw, visceral performances from Powell, adding another layer of authenticity to the intense action sequences planned for the remake.
Friendships Forged in the Fray: Bonding with Brolin and Domingo
Amidst the freezing conditions and explosive stunts, Powell found his most cherished on-set memory was simply spending time with his esteemed co-stars, Colman Domingo, 55, and Josh Brolin, 57. He emphasized that the camaraderie went beyond just professional respect.
“There [was] a day with Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin where, you know, we got to kick it on The Running Man set, and [they are] two actors that I really respect immensely,” Powell recalled. “And not only that, they’re just really good, nice people, and I think we got to really talk about how lucky we were feeling just to be on the set together.”
This sentiment highlights the collaborative spirit often present in complex film productions. Powell expressed his love for his job, particularly “when you get to do it with, like, wonderful people that, you know, you get to cheer each other on, even after you wrap.” He proudly counts Brolin and Domingo among his close friends, noting, “that was where the friendship started. So that’s a warm place in my heart.” Such genuine connections often translate into more dynamic and believable on-screen chemistry, a factor fans eagerly anticipate.
Anticipation Builds for a Dystopian Rematch
With The Running Man remake hitting theaters on November 14, 2025, Glen Powell’s revelations offer a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be an intense, action-packed, and surprisingly personal cinematic journey. From baring it all in freezing Bulgaria to navigating explosive set pieces and forging lasting bonds with his co-stars, Powell’s commitment to the film’s authenticity and his appreciation for his castmates paint a vivid picture of a production driven by passion and genuine collaboration. Fans can look forward to not only a fresh take on a classic dystopian narrative but also a film infused with the spirit of a truly dedicated cast and crew.
