Lee Pace has expressed his excitement over collaborating with acclaimed director Edgar Wright in the upcoming dystopian action thriller, The Running Man. The film features a star-studded cast including Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. Pace describes receiving the call from Wright as a “pinch-me moment,” reflecting the significance of the opportunity.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pace shared his admiration for Wright’s vision. “First, to get a call from Edgar Wright, saying, ‘I want you to be a part of my film,’ it was such a pinch-me moment,” he said. The actor emphasized that Wright clearly conveyed his intentions for the film and the character he envisioned. “From that first conversation and the script that I read to the movie that I saw, it’s exactly the same,” Pace noted.
Lee Pace Takes on a Complex Role
In The Running Man, Pace portrays Evan McCone, a masked leader known as one of the hunters. He describes McCone as a “complicated character” who maintains an air of mystery throughout much of the film. “I like a mysterious character,” Pace stated. As the plot unfolds, the character’s complexity becomes more apparent, adding depth to his performance.
Pace found joy in embodying McCone, aiming to present him as relaxed and unbothered during his pursuit of Ben Richards, portrayed by Glen Powell. “It was definitely great fun playing the character,” he remarked. Despite his enthusiasm for the role, Pace emphasized the importance of the director in his decision-making process regarding film projects.
“The director is first. That’s the reason you do or don’t do the movie,” he explained.
Thematic Depth of The Running Man
The film, based on a story by Stephen King, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, offers a thought-provoking commentary on societal issues. Pace pointed out that the narrative reflects a vision of what 2025 might look like, a perspective King crafted back in 1981. He highlighted the themes of hostility and satire embedded in the film, noting that while the storyline is engaging, it remains fictional.
Inside the narrative, Pace’s character McCone is portrayed as a hero, hunting down Richards, who is depicted as the villain. “Inside the show, Ben Richards is supposed to be the bad guy, and McCone is portrayed as the good guy,” Pace explained. This satirical twist invites audiences to reflect on the distinctions between reality and the sensationalism often present in reality television.
As The Running Man prepares for its release, Lee Pace’s collaboration with Edgar Wright promises to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience that not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful discussion on contemporary issues.
