Key Highlights
- Lee Pace’s character Evan McCone in “The Running Man” is a masked hunter who revels in violence.
- Pace unlocked his character’s nonchalance by focusing on the mask and the deeper layers of McCone’s persona.
- The film aims for a balance between entertainment and social commentary, inspired by Edgar Wright’s direction.
- McCones’ masked nature allows him to project different personas while maintaining anonymity in the game show setting.
Lee Pace: Unlocking The “Nonchalance” Of A Violent Character In “The Running Man”
In an interview with ScreenRant, actor Lee Pace delved into his role as Evan McCone, a masked hunter in the upcoming Stephen King adaptation of “The Running Man.”
Pace initially hesitated to play a character whose face is completely hidden for the entirety of the film. However, he eventually embraced the challenge after collaborating with director Edgar Wright and the costume team. The actor described the moment when he first saw himself in the mirror fully dressed as McCone: “That’s this guy,” Pace said, revealing his transformation into the cool, unbothered character.
The mask, which is central to McCone’s identity, serves a dual purpose according to Pace.
It allows the character to kill and engage in violent acts while maintaining an air of nonchalance: “You kind of feel your way through certain things like this,” explained Pace. “And it led me towards this cool nonchalance of the character. He’s relaxed, he’s unbothered by all the violence that he’s surrounded by.”
Despite his villainous intent and masked persona, McCone is portrayed as a multifaceted character with hidden depths. In the film, he relishes in being a killer, has a catchphrase, and poses for posters where he shows off his gun while mugging for the camera.
This projection of a different persona is further emphasized by Pace: “This man would kill on Tumblr,” he joked, highlighting the irony of projecting such a character.
The film’s director, Edgar Wright, aimed to deliver a faithful adaptation of King’s novel while adding a satirical commentary on society’s fascination with violence. The Running Man centers around Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell) who must survive being hunted for 30 days in a global pursuit, all in an effort to win the $1 billion prize and provide for his sick daughter.
Pace’s character Evan McCone plays a crucial role as both the antagonist and part of the satirical narrative. His masked nature allows him to hide behind anonymity while still engaging with the audience: “But that’s a mask, you’re hidden,” Pace explained. “People can project onto you what they want you to be.” This duality is further explored in the film’s bombastic ending, where McCone faces his ultimate confrontation.
The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and written by Michael Bacall, Stephen King, and Wright himself, is set for release on November 14, 2025. The film aims to strike a balance between entertainment and social commentary, showcasing the dark humor and violence that have become hallmarks of Stephen King’s work.
