Lee Pace offers a thoughtful reflection on how his recent film, "The Running Man," and the series "Halt and Catch Fire," both envision the future of 2025. As Evan McCone in "The Running Man" and Joe MacMillan in "Halt and Catch Fire," Pace brings a unique perspective to the imaginative landscape of these dystopian narratives.
"The Running Man" is a gripping tale of a deadly reality show where a contestant must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. Glen Powell co-stars as Ben Richards, the innocent victim hunted by McCone, the chief hunter. Alongside Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), the game show's ruthless executive producer, they manipulate their audience with disinformation and deepfake technology to create the illusion that the Network and its hunters only target criminals.
"Stephen King, under his pen name Richard Bachman, envisioned 2025 through the lens of 'The Running Man' when he wrote it in 1981," Pace shares with The Hollywood Reporter. "While he was sensitive to the growing hostility in our country at that time, the good news is that we don't live in a world where 'The Running Man' could become a reality. I still hope the audience finds it thought-provoking, particularly in its commentary on media, power, and violence."
Pace also touches on how both the film and the series highlight the evolving technology of the 1980s and 1990s, and how it can be used against people. "Halt and Catch Fire" is set during the personal computer revolution of the era, following a group of ambitious individuals, including Joe MacMillan, a visionary salesman, as they strive to create a groundbreaking computer that challenges industry giants like IBM.
"I don't think Joe MacMillan ever retires," Pace muses. "I can't imagine what he would do with his time if he wasn't looking forward and trying to see which way the wind blows."
"The Running Man" was released on November 12, while "Halt and Catch Fire" ran from 2014 to 2017, offering audiences a glimpse into the future through the lens of these captivating narratives.
