Edgar Wright Reveals The Running Man's Secret Brolin Family Easter Egg
Edgar Wright, director of The Running Man, shared an Easter egg hidden in the film featuring actor Josh Brolin, who plays the villain Dan Killian. This Easter egg pays homage to Brolin’s family.
Family Connection in the Film
In an interview with ScreenRant's Ash Crossan, Wright explained that Josh Brolin is not the only family member involved. His father, James Brolin, appears in the movie as well, though by coincidence.
“Josh Brolin is not the only Brolin in this movie. By complete coincidence, his dad is in it as well.”
James Brolin was cast for the film before Josh and appears through a clip from the old movie Skyjacked, in which he played a hijacker.
How the Easter Egg Came Together
Wright revealed that the clip was cleared and included before Josh was cast as Killian. After casting Josh, Wright connected the two Brolins on screen.
“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,’ because James Brolin plays the hijacker in Skyjacked.”
Summary
The inclusion of both Brolins adds a meaningful, subtle nod to Josh Brolin’s family legacy within The Running Man.
Author’s summary: Edgar Wright cleverly integrated a family Easter egg in The Running Man, linking Josh Brolin and his father James through a historic movie clip, enriching the film's deeper layers.