We have now 4 months left of 2025 film releases, and among the many ones I’m trying ahead to is The Working Man. Tailored from the same-named 1982 novel by Stephen King, this October flick will observe Glen Powell’s Ben Richards, who will compete in The Working Man recreation present and try to survive for 30 days in an effort to win $1 billion. Colman Domingo’s Bobby Thompson hosts the present, and whereas the teases of his electrical persona had been already sufficient to pique my curiosity, I’m extra psyched to see the actor’s efficiency after studying about how Jerry Springer impressed his efficiency.
Throughout an interview with EW, Domino defined how he felt like he “was in a complete totally different movie than anybody else” as a result of Bobby is simply seen by the TV, so “we do not take him out of the context of the present.” So in an effort to flesh out the character, the Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor took a cue from the late Jerry Springer proper earlier than filming started. As he recalled:
Actually the night time earlier than I went to set, they launched the Jerry Springer two-part documentary, and I sat up and watched it, and I believed, whoa, whoa, that is unimaginable. And I checked out that. What I like is the concept Jerry Springer as a bunch was form of inciting and letting individuals — realizing the ills of our society — letting the individuals do what they should do on a platform and actually allow them to interact within the worst habits and nonetheless really feel like he had nothing to do with it. He is simply there shifting the present alongside. I felt like, what an fascinating strategic strategy to abstain from any accountability of what occurs on that set.
Within the first trailer for The Working Man, we see Bobby Thompson asserting the sport present to a full of life crowd and viewers that “bloodlust is our proper. Set it free!”, and that in America, “we don’t put up with no bullshit.” It already seems like Colman Domingo shall be this film’s breakout actor, although it was daunting for him at first for him to sort out this position. Then inspiration struck after watching Jerry Springer: Fights, Digital camera, Motion, which might be streamed with a Netflix subscription.
After all, whereas issues would sometimes get violent on The Jerry Springer Present, nobody was getting killed like they do on The Working Man. In order we’re watching Bobby Thompson “working, manipulating, charming, not solely the studio viewers, however the visitors as properly,” he’s additionally doing no matter it takes to make sure that his TV present stays widespread. Colman Domingo continued:
He is pondering, what subsequent? What is going to individuals tune into subsequent that’s the most horrific factor that we will not even think about? He helps incite that, and actually riles individuals up, and that is who he’s. He is additionally very trendy, and I wish to consider that he’s the man that guys wish to be like him, and ladies fall in love with him.
Bobby Thompson wasn’t included was within the 1987 movie adaptation of The Working Man, which has its followers, but in addition deviated considerably from the supply materials. So Colman Domingo will get to carry this character to life in a cinematic setting for the primary time, and pondering of Bobby as a Jerry Springer-type determine in a dystopic setting makes the character sound even higher. Domingo and Glen Powell’s costars embody Josh Brolin, Lee Tempo, Jayme Lawson, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones and William H. Macy, amongst others.
The Working Man shall be launched in theaters on November 14. The 1987 model might be streamed now with a Paramount+ subscription, which can be the way you’ll be capable to entry this new adaptation as soon as its theatrical run and residential media rollout is completed.