Convention - CinemaCon 2025: The Running Man Takes Center Stage with Edgar Wright and a Star-Studded Cast

By Mulder, 12 march 2025

CinemaCon 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and anticipated industry events of the year, bringing together some of the biggest names in Hollywood for a deep dive into the state of cinema and a celebration of the theatrical experience. This year, the event will be headlined by award-winning filmmaker Edgar Wright and the cast of his highly anticipated action-thriller The Running Man. Among those joining him on stage for the Creative Community Luncheon are Golden Globe nominee Glen Powell, Academy Award nominee Josh Brolin, and two-time Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo. Scheduled to take place in the prestigious Octavius Ballroom at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 3, this panel promises an insightful discussion about the film industry, the evolving landscape of theatrical releases, and what audiences can expect from The Running Man when it arrives in theaters later this year. Later that evening, Glen Powell will receive the esteemed CinemaCon Star of the Year award at the Big Screen Achievement Awards, further cementing his status as one of the industry’s most exciting and bankable stars.

The Creative Community Luncheon, a cornerstone event of CinemaCon, is traditionally held on the final day of the convention and is moderated this year by Rotten Tomatoes editor Jacqueline Coley. This event has earned a reputation for being one of the most enlightening and engaging panels in the industry, providing exhibitors, filmmakers, and studio executives with an opportunity to hear firsthand from the creative minds responsible for some of the biggest films of the year. Past editions of the luncheon have featured the likes of Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry Bruckheimer, Patty Jenkins, and Jon M. Chu, making it an unmissable occasion for anyone invested in the future of cinema. With The Running Man generating enormous buzz and excitement, this year’s panel is expected to be one of the highlights of CinemaCon 2025, offering audiences a glimpse into the making of what is set to be one of the most thrilling action films of the year.

Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), expressed his enthusiasm for this year's luncheon, stating, “The excitement for The Running Man among the exhibition community is extremely high, and this luncheon presents an opportunity to hear thoughts and insights about the film and our industry from this incredible group of talented individuals. I want to thank the good folks at Paramount Pictures and, of course, The Running Man team, with a special shout-out to Glen on his much-deserved award. Everyone’s generosity and collaboration is sure to make this luncheon a must-see event.” With theaters eager to recapture audiences and deliver must-see cinematic spectacles, the conversation around The Running Man and the creative forces behind it could not be more timely.

Paramount Pictures has high hopes for The Running Man, a film that brings together some of the most celebrated talents in Hollywood. Based on the 1982 novel by Stephen King, originally published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, the movie is a fresh adaptation of the dystopian thriller. Unlike the 1987 version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edgar Wright’s rendition aims to remain more faithful to King’s novel, creating a world where a totalitarian regime uses a deadly televised game show to entertain the masses and control dissent. With Wright’s signature visual style and knack for blending action with social commentary, The Running Man is set to offer a thought-provoking and adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience. Scheduled for release on November 7, 2025, exclusively in theaters, the film will be available in Dolby Cinema and IMAX, ensuring a larger-than-life presentation for audiences worldwide.

Glen Powell, who leads the cast of The Running Man, is enjoying a momentous rise in Hollywood. Following his breakout roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, Powell has continued to demonstrate his versatility and star power. His work on the Netflix comedy Hit Man, which he co-wrote and produced, earned him a Golden Globe nomination and further cemented his reputation as a multi-talented force in the industry. Powell’s upcoming projects, including Hulu’s Chad Powers and the A24 thriller Huntington, showcase his ability to tackle a wide range of genres while maintaining a strong presence in the industry. His role in The Running Man is expected to be another defining moment in his career, proving his ability to command the screen in a high-stakes action thriller.

Josh Brolin, a veteran of Hollywood with decades of acclaimed performances under his belt, is no stranger to large-scale productions. From his Academy Award-nominated role in Milk to his unforgettable turn as Thanos in the Avengers franchise, Brolin has consistently delivered compelling performances across a wide spectrum of genres. His recent work in Dune: Part 2 and the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery further solidifies his place as one of the most respected actors in the industry. In The Running Man, Brolin takes on a pivotal role that is expected to bring both intensity and gravitas to the film, adding to its star-studded appeal.

Colman Domingo, another powerhouse performer, continues to dominate both film and television with his exceptional range and presence. His critically acclaimed performance in Sing Sing earned him multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award nod. Having starred in If Beale Street Could Talk, Candyman, and Euphoria, Domingo has proven time and time again that he can bring depth and complexity to any character he portrays. His role in The Running Man will likely be another standout performance, reinforcing his status as one of the most captivating actors working today.

Edgar Wright’s unique directorial style is set to elevate The Running Man beyond a standard action film. Known for his inventive visual storytelling and kinetic energy, Wright has delivered some of the most beloved films in modern cinema, including Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho. His approach to The Running Man is expected to blend high-octane action with satirical undertones, staying true to King’s original vision while delivering a film that speaks to contemporary audiences. His collaboration with Michael Bacall on the screenplay ensures a sharp, engaging narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

CinemaCon 2025 remains the most important event for the theatrical exhibition industry, drawing thousands of professionals from across the globe. From March 31 to April 3, industry leaders, filmmakers, and exhibitors will converge at Caesars Palace to discuss the future of cinema, celebrate groundbreaking achievements, and showcase some of the most anticipated films of the coming year. The event’s grand finale, the Big Screen Achievement Awards, will be hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier and presented by The Coca-Cola Company, highlighting the biggest stars and moments in the industry. With The Running Man panel serving as a centerpiece of this year’s convention, CinemaCon 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of the power of cinema and the magic of the big screen.

(Source : press release)