Director Edgar Wright shared an exclusive insight about a clever Easter egg in his adaptation of The Running Man, connected to actor Josh Brolin and his family. This detail holds a deeper significance related to the Brolin legacy.
In an interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan, Wright disclosed that Josh Brolin, who plays the villain Dan Killian, isn’t the only member of the Brolin family featured in the film. Josh’s father, James Brolin, also appears, though this was completely unplanned.
“Josh Brolin is not the only Brolin in this movie. By complete coincidence, his dad is in it as well.”
James Brolin was cast in the film before Josh, appearing via a clip from his role in the older movie Skyjacked, where he played a hijacker.
After casting Josh Brolin as Killian, Wright realized the family link and decided to incorporate the Easter egg explicitly. They obtained clearance to include the Skyjacked clip, creating a subtle yet meaningful connection.
“So we wrote that in. We got the clip cleared — and this was all before Josh Brolin was cast as Killian. And then when Josh Brolin was cast, I suddenly said to him, ‘Hey, your dad’s in the movie too.’”
Edgar Wright cleverly included a meaningful familial Easter egg in The Running Man, highlighting both Josh and James Brolin’s involvement through an intentional, respectful nod to the actor’s heritage.