EXCLUSIVE: Sean Hayes is lining up a busy 2025 as the sources tell Deadline that he is joined the cast of Paramount’s The Running Man as well as the Searchlight pic Is This Thing On. Hayes would shoot The Running Man first and then follow that up with Is This Thing On next year.
For The Running Man joins an ensemble led by Glen Powell, which will also include Josh Brolin, Karl Glusman, Katy O’Brian, Daniel Ezra, Lee Pace, Jayme Lawson, Michael Cera and Emilia Jones.
Based on the classic Stephen King novel written under pen name Richard Bachman, The Running Man is set in an oppressive future where the government controls the media. The story follows Ben Richards (Powell) as he volunteers to participate in a deadly game show, which will see him hunted by professional killers over the course of 30 days. Should he survive, he’ll win a cash prize that will help save his sick child and lift his family out of a horrid living situation.
Wright’s feature take is the second, on the heels of TriStar’s 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger starrer. He wrote the script with Michael Bacall and will produce alongside partner Nira Park and Simon Kinberg, with George Linder executive producing. The film is slated for release on November 21, 2025.
The Searchlight pic will be directed by Bradley Cooper and also star Will Arnett and Cooper. Arnett also co-wrote the script with Mark Chappell. Cooper is producing along wit Weston Middleton under their Lea Pictures banner as well as Arnett and Kris Thykier . Plot details are being kept under wraps. John Bishop is exec producing.
Hayes is currently enjoying great success with his award-winning podcast, SmartLess, which he co-hosts with best friends Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. He most recently won a coveted Tony Award for his brilliant portrayal of Oscar Levant in Good Night Oscar. He is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham and 2am Management.
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