Filmmaker Edgar Wright, actor and producer Noah Centineo, and Australian director Sophie Hyde are all confirmed to appear at SXSW Sydney next week.
Wright, best known for Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgram vs. the World, and Baby Driver, will present the first look at his upcoming Paramount Pictures film The Running Man, a futuristic action thriller based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel. The debut footage will be followed by a live conversation, moderated by Nash Edgerton with Wright appearing remotely.
Starring Glen Powell as desperate father Ben Richards and Josh Brolin as the ruthless producer who convinces him to enter a deadly televised competition, The Running Man reimagines the cult classic for a modern audience obsessed with spectacle and survival. The star-studded cast also includes William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson and Colman Domingo. The film is slated for Australian release on November 13, 2025.
Meanwhile, Centineo, best known for his role as Peter Kavinsky in the To All The Boys franchise, will walk the carpet at the Australian premiere of black comedy Our Hero, Balthazar at Palace Central Cinemas. on Tuesday, October 14.
Produced by Centineo’s Arkhum Productions, the audacious coming-of-age marks the directorial debut of Oscar Boyson. Starring Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield, the film follows a wealthy New York City teen named Balthazar “Balthy” Malone, whose performative activism takes a dangerous turn when he tracks down a would-be school shooter.
Praised as a compelling addition to the conversation about America’s gun culture, the film presents a deeply uncomfortable exploration of adolescent identity, online performance and the dangers of self-righteousness on both sides of the political spectrum. A bold, thought-provoking film that challenges preconceptions while remaining tender at its core.
Rounding out the new additions, acclaimed Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Animals, 52 Tuesdays) will take part in SXSW Sydney’s Screen Breakfast event on Tuesday, October 14. She’ll discuss her approach to storytelling and her recent Sundance hit Jimpa, starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow.
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The SXSW Sydney Screen Festival runs October 13-19, 2025, across venues including Dendy Newtown, Ritz Cinemas, Palace Cinemas and, for the first time, the Seymour Centre.
See here for the full program.
