In the month of November, we reported that Gavin O’Connor, the director behind such films as "Warrior" and "The Way Back," would helm the upcoming Apple Original Film "Running." And now, we are excited to announce that the talented British actor Spike Fearn, who rose to fame in "Alien: Romulus," has secured the lead role.
Initially announced in late fall, "Running" has now received the green light, according to sources. Based on an original story by O’Connor and a screenplay penned by "Ozark" creator Bill Dubuque, the film follows a homeless high school running prodigy as he embarks on a journey to greatness, using his talents to outrun his past and find a sense of family.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the film, O’Connor shared that as someone who lives in Los Angeles, "I began to envision a story centered around a homeless kid who has no place in the world. No love, no friends, no family. The only home he knows is the streets. It felt like a compelling starting point for a character's journey and an underdog tale about the human spirit."
Apple Studios will serve as the studio behind this production, with Apple Studios, Makeready, and Nike producing.
In recent years, Fearn has emerged as one of the most sought-after young actors in Hollywood. After breaking into films with small roles in "The Batman," he has quickly ascended to leading man status. Best known for his roles in Fede Álvarez's 2024 summer hit "Alien: Romulus," which grossed over $350 million worldwide, and Charlotte Wells' Cannes darling "Aftersun," Fearn will next be seen headlining the Searchlight drama "Sweetsick" opposite Cate Blanchett and the Focus/Working Title rom-com "Finding Emily" opposite Angourie Rice.
