These four factors join the previously announced Nicolas Cage and Sarah Paulson in this contemporary political drama.

Production is set to begin in New Orleans June 23.

"In the aftermath of the tragic 2010 BP oil spill," production notes state, "Colin Price (Nicolas Cage), an idealistic but flawed New Orleans congressman, is forced to confront his dysfunctional life after his career is destroyed in a sex scandal."

Nielsen will portray Price’s wife Deborah, a high-powered attorney with political ambitions of her own. Fonda will portray Colin’s father, Rayne Price, the former mayor of New Orleans, still an imposing figure in the political arena. Batt will portray Mark Lavin, a Wall Street financier who caters to the big oil companies and wants the oil spill to be a blip on the screen, and Pierce will portray Frank Legrand, Price’s Chief of Staff and one of the first to see his boss’ career going off the rails.

Writer-director Stark stated, “I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with Connie, Peter, Bryan, and Wendell. It’s going to be thrilling to watch the authenticity and complexity these incredible actors will bring to the world of this timely political drama.” Benji Kohn, Bingo Gubelmann, Chris Papavasiliou and Erika Hampson will produce “The Runner” for Paper Street Films and Glenn Williamson for Back Lot Pictures. Executive producers are Ruth Mutch, Noah Millman, Sam Bisbee and Tom Conigliaro.