Shutterstock
Edgar Wright’s dystopian thriller The Running Man features a reality show family that’s unmistakably inspired by the Kardashians. The director – known for cult classics like Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver – actually contacted the Kardashian production team to ensure his parody captured the essence of their filming style.
“We did actually get in touch with the Kardashians production team to ask them about their sort of tech specs of how they do the show,” Wright revealed to BroBible’s Post Credit Podcast. “How many cameras they have going, how it plays out [when they film]. So basically set up these scenarios and three cameras going and just let those guys [the Americano actors] rip.”
The film’s fictional “Americanos” family – portrayed by English comedians Debi Mazar, Cat Cohen, and Emma Sidi – mirrors the Kardashians in everything from speech patterns to fashion choices. This attention to detail has made the satirical elements particularly effective in the dystopian narrative.
It’s all in the details.
Wright’s approach to crafting these scenes demonstrates his trademark commitment to authenticity, even when creating parody. By understanding the technical aspects of how the actual Kardashian shows are filmed, the production team was able to replicate the distinct visual style that’s become synonymous with reality TV.
The Running Man stars Glen Powell as protagonist Ben Richards, supported by an impressive ensemble including Josh Brolin, William H. Macy, and Lee Pace. Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, and Colman Domingo round out the cast of this dystopian thriller.
Despite being set in a grim future, the film’s commentary on celebrity culture feels remarkably relevant to today’s media landscape – where reality television continues to shape public perception and entertainment trends.
You can watch our full interview with Edgar Wright below, and The Running Man is now available to rent or purchase on all major digital platforms.
