“The Running Man” Theatrical Poster
Edgar Wright, the genius director known for his pleasantly paced, comedic brand of culture-induced films (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) is back with The Running Man.
Based on the 1982 novel The Running Man written by Stephen King – not to mention the 2nd big screen adaptation, following Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 film of the same name – the new film follows a man (Glen Powell, Top Gun: Maverick) who joins a game show where contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by “hunters” hired to kill them.
The film also stars Josh Brolin (The Goonies), Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead), Katy O’Brian (Twisters), Lee Pace (Guardians of the Galaxy) and William H. Macy (Fargo).
The Running Man opens on November 7, 2025. Watch the recent Trailer below:
I haven’t read the Stephen King book, but I heard that the appeal of it is that the character of Ben Richards has to use his brains just as much as his brawn. (And there’s no ridiculous henchmen in bad costumes) Arnold’s flick really deviated from the source material, so I wonder how much more this movie will use.
Judging by the trailer the remake also deviates massively from King’s book. The book is bleak as hell but whats shown in the trailer is MCU quip heavy action adventure.
i’m not so sure it deviates so massively, looks like they really amped the action, but it’s the same premise as the book and there’s a hint they kept the same ending too, which is all actually matters story wise.
The book is much more “Richard Bachman” than “Stephen King”.
I highly doubt the movie will get it “right”.