- Lee Pace admits initial hesitation about playing the fully masked villain, Evan McCone, in Edgar Wright’s upcoming film, “The Running Man.”
- The actor discovered the key to his character was a “cool nonchalance” and a relaxed attitude toward the extreme violence surrounding him.
- McCone is portrayed as a media-savvy killer who understands how to project a popular image to an audience, using his mask as a brand.
- The film is set to be a more faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, restoring the satirical critique of society’s obsession with violence.
A New Kind of Villain
In the upcoming Stephen King adaptation The Running Man, star Glen Powell is set to run for his life, but it’s the man hunting him who is already capturing everyone’s attention. Lee Pace is stepping into the role of the film’s lead hunter, Evan McCone, a masked villain whose casual approach to violence is profoundly unsettling. In a recent interview, Pace revealed the surprising psychological journey he took to embody a character who is completely hidden from view.
Overcoming the Mask
Initially, Pace expressed a slight hesitation about taking on a role where his face would be entirely obscured. He admitted he “didn’t really know how it would go,” a common fear for actors who rely on facial expressions to convey emotion.
However, that uncertainty vanished the moment he collaborated with director Edgar Wright and the costume department. The development of “the mask and the whole costume around it” proved to be the turning point. Pace recalled seeing himself in the mirror fully dressed and knowing instantly, “that’s this guy.” Still, he felt he had to “think about” the deeper layers, which led him to a chilling discovery about McCone’s personality.
The Danger of “Nonchalance”
Pace explained how he found his way into the character’s mindset, a process that led him to a disturbing conclusion.
“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. And I thought that was kind of funny, actually. This man would kill on Tumblr.”
This casual coolness in the face of brutality is the very thing that makes McCone so terrifying. He’s not a raging monster; he’s a professional who enjoys his work and the fame that comes with it.
The Power of a Public Persona
According to Pace, the mask is not just for hiding—it’s for branding. McCone is a character who relishes being a popular killer, complete with a catchphrase and poses for “posters where he’s showing the gun and mugging for the camera.” He is actively “trying to project to the audience,” creating a terrifying celebrity out of murder.
Pace notes the irony that the mask allows McCone a private life. “McCone wants to go out on Sunday and walk his dog and hang out at the mall with his friends and not be bothered. So, he has to wear the mask on The Running Man.”
A Faithful Return to Stephen King’s Vision
This characterization is a key element that director Edgar Wright is restoring from King’s original, dystopian novel. Unlike the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, this new adaptation aims to lean into the dark satire of a society obsessed with watching violence as entertainment. Pace’s portrayal of a killer who understands audience projection is central to that theme. While fans may not connect with the villainous McCone, Pace’s complex performance promises to make him a villain you simply can’t look away from.
Image Referance: https://screenrant.com/the-running-man-2025-violent-character-mccone-lee-pace-interview/