Edgar Wright Reveals The Running Man's Hidden Brolin Family Easter Egg
Director Edgar Wright shared that his adaptation of The Running Man contains a subtle Easter egg connected to actor Josh Brolin and his father, James Brolin. The detail gives additional depth to the film’s production and meaning.
A Family Connection in The Running Man
In an interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan, Wright explained that Josh Brolin, who portrays the villain Dan Killian, is not the only Brolin featured in the movie. His father, James Brolin, also appears in it—though unintentionally.
“Josh Brolin is not the only Brolin in this movie. By complete coincidence, his dad is in it as well,”
Wright said that the inclusion of both Brolins was entirely by chance. James Brolin appears via a brief clip from his earlier movie Skyjacked, where he played a hijacker. This archival footage made its way into The Running Man before Josh had even been cast.
An Unplanned Easter Egg
The director clarified that this connection only came to light later:
“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,’ because James Brolin plays the hijacker in Skyjacked.”
This unexpected coincidence turned into a meaningful nod to the Brolin family, further enriching the film’s behind-the-scenes story.
Author’s Summary
Edgar Wright unexpectedly discovered that both Josh and James Brolin appear in The Running Man, turning a coincidence into a heartfelt Easter egg linking father and son.