Runner Runner

Runner Runner is a crime thriller centering on Richie Furst, a struggling college student who, after losing his money in an online poker game, seeks out Ivan Block, the cunning offshore poker operator he believes has cheated him. As Richie confronts Ivan, he becomes entangled in the dark and deceptive world of online gambling, challenging his morals and survival instincts. Interesting trivia: 1) The film was primarily shot in Puerto Rico, which doubled for multiple international locations, providing a vibrant and authentic backdrop for the story's high-stakes gambling scenes. 2) Ben Affleck's character, Ivan Block, was inspired by real-life figures from the online gambling industry, adding an element of realism to the portrayal of the antagonist. 3) Justin Timberlake, known mostly for his music career before this film, took extensive preparation to convincingly portray a poker expert and effectively marked his foray into more serious acting roles with this movie.

Main Cast of Runner Runner

Fans of Justin Timberlake might enjoy his role in "Runner Runner" because it showcases his ability to portray complex, charismatic characters beyond his music career, highlighting his growth as a versatile actor. Unlike his most iconic performance in "The Social Network," where he played Sean Parker, the young tech mogul with a sharp, edgy demeanor, in "Runner Runner" Timberlake's character is a wealthy and manipulative casino owner, adding a darker, more menacing layer to his repertoire. An interesting and unexpected detail about his role in "Runner Runner" is that Timberlake performed many of the casino scenes without the usual CGI, lending a more authentic and intense atmosphere to the film.

Fans of Ben Affleck might enjoy his role in "Runner Runner" as it showcases his knack for playing complex, morally ambiguous characters, similar to his iconic performance in "The Town." In "Runner Runner," Affleck portrays Ivan Block, a suave yet manipulative online gambling tycoon, allowing fans to see his versatility in a high-stakes thriller context. Unlike his more heroic or conflicted roles, this character leans more into the darker, cunning side of his acting repertoire. An interesting detail is that Affleck himself was drawn to the film because of its gambling theme, having a personal interest in poker, which added authenticity to his performance.

In "Runner Runner," Gemma Arterton delivers a compelling performance as Rebecca Shafran, portraying a savvy and enigmatic figure entangled in the high-stakes world of online gambling. Her nuanced acting brings depth to Rebecca, balancing charm with underlying tension, which contrasts with her more glamorous and romantic roles in films like "St. Trinian's" and "Clash of the Titans." Unlike her action-packed part in "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters," here she embodies a character whose motivations are masked by subtle manipulations. A trivia fact: Gemma Arterton performed many of her own stunts in "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters," showcasing her versatility beyond dramatic roles.

Anthony Mackie played a memorable role in the 2013 thriller 'Runner Runner,' where he portrayed a charismatic and cunning online poker entrepreneur. His performance was noted for bringing a sharp intensity and smooth confidence to the character, making him stand out amidst the film's suspenseful narrative. What made Mackie's portrayal unique was his ability to infuse charm with underlying menace, creating a layered character that captivated audiences even in moments of subtle interaction. A lesser-known fact from behind the scenes is that Mackie, an avid poker enthusiast himself, contributed to refining some of the poker scenes by advising on authentic player behavior and strategy, enhancing the film's realism.

Fans of Michael Esper might enjoy his role in 'Runner Runner' because it offers a compelling deviation from his typically intense stage performances, showcasing his ability to navigate the high-stakes world of online gambling with subtlety and tension. Unlike his most iconic performance in the Broadway play 'American Idiot,' where he portrayed a punk rock rebel with explosive energy and raw emotion, in 'Runner Runner,' Esper delivers a more restrained yet impactful portrayal, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. An interesting detail about his character in 'Runner Runner' is that despite his limited screen time, his role adds a critical layer of authenticity to the underground poker scene, as Esper studied real-life professional gamblers to bring nuance and credibility to his portrayal.

Crew of Runner Runner