Caution:This article contains mild spoilers for The Running Man, currently featured on the 2025 film schedule. This is very minimal, if at all.
The spotlight is on Glen Powell, who will be hosting Saturday Night Live, making it an opportune moment to discuss one of his co-stars from The Running Man, Martin Herlihy.. Not only is Herlihy a writer for SNL, but he also occasionally performs. He hails from a lineage of comedy, being the son of renowned writer Tim Herlihy. Even if you don’t recognise Tim by name, his contributions alongside Adam sandler are well-known and beloved.
The Need for Humor in The Running Man
After much anticipation, director Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man has finally arrived. I must say that he has truly captured the essence of the story. While some may have minor critiques regarding certain aspects (which is understandable), this version aligns much more closely with King’s original narrative compared to the 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger—a version I secretly enjoy as well—making it a must-watch this fall.
A significant distinction between the 1987 classic and its 2025 counterpart lies within their tones. While Schwarzenegger’s rendition leaned heavily into campiness with memorable one-liners, this new iteration adopts a considerably darker atmosphere reminiscent of King’s novel. Martin Herlihy’s character Jansky injects essential comic relief into the film; without revealing too much plot detail, he portrays an eccentric contestant alongside Powell’s Ben Richards and Katy O’Brian’s laughlin—his comedic timing shines throughout.
‘Tim Herlihy’s Unique Journey to Comedy success’
‘While humor seems innate for Martin due to his comedic heritage, Tim’s path was far less direct.’ Initially pursuing accounting at NYU without aspirations toward comedy fame,’ he serendipitously became roommates with none other than ‘‘Adam Sandler.’‘ This connection sparked collaboration during their college years that continued post-graduation when they both joined SNL.’ Despite eventually attending law school,’ Tim maintained his writing partnership with Sandler by crafting scripts like ‘Billy Madison’‘ during evenings while practicing law during daylight hours.’ before long,’ he left legal practice behind entirely to join SNL as a writer in ‘1994’, ultimately becoming head writer responsible for many iconic characters from that era.’ He has collaborated on numerous films with Sandler including ‘Billy Madison’‘, making cameo appearances such as playing a priest in ‘Grown Ups.’‘
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fig caption Item prop caption description’ ‘Martin herlihys career mirrors that Of his Father As A Writer And Digital Content Creator On SNL Alongside His Comedy Troupe Please Don’t Destroy With Ben Marshall And John Higgins They Also Began their Journey At NYU Although Please Don’t Destroy Is No Longer Producing Digital Shorts For SNL ,Herlihys Role as A Writer Remains Secure.’