Edgar Wright’s The Running Man is one of the most awaited movies of 2025. This new adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian thriller novel brings a fresh take on the story, starring Glen Powell as the lead. The film is set to release on November 7, 2025, and fans are eager to see how it compares to the 1987 version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Adaptation of Stephen King’s Novel
Unlike the 1987 movie, which took creative liberties, Wright’s version stays closer to King’s original book. The story follows Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a desperate father who joins a deadly game show to save his sick daughter. Contestants, called “Runners,” must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional killers, with every moment broadcast to a bloodthirsty audience.
“One of the things about the book that I loved was the fact that Ben Richards is out in the world on his own, so it’s like the deadliest game of hide and seek,” Wright told Empire.
The novel was written under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman and predicted reality TV’s dark side long before shows like Squid Game made it mainstream.
An All-Star Cast Brings the Story to Life
Glen Powell leads a powerhouse cast, including:
- Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the ruthless game show producer.
- Colman Domingo as Bobby Thompson, the charismatic but sinister host.
- Lee Pace as Evan McCone, one of the deadly hunters.
- Michael Cera as a rebel who helps Ben.
- William H. Macy as a man aiding Ben’s escape.
Powell revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger gave the remake his blessing:
“Arnold gave us his full blessing and we get to give Arnold a very specific fun gift from the movie in a couple of weeks here.”
Why This Movie Stands Out
1. Glen Powell’s Rising Star Power
After hits like Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters, Powell is proving himself as a leading man. His role as Ben Richards requires both emotional depth and intense action, making this a career-defining performance.
2. Edgar Wright’s Unique Style
Known for Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver, Wright brings his fast-paced editing and dark humor to this thriller. His vision promises a mix of suspense, satire, and high-energy action.
3. A Story More Relevant Than Ever
The book’s themes—media manipulation, violence as entertainment, and economic desperation—feel even more timely today. Reality TV and social media obsession make The Running Man eerily prophetic.
4. A Fresh Take on King’s Work
Most Stephen King adaptations focus on horror, but this one is a dystopian thriller. It offers something different for fans and newcomers alike.
5. Bigger and Better Than the 1987 Film
While the Schwarzenegger version was fun, critics felt it strayed too far from the book. Wright’s adaptation aims to be grittier, more intense, and truer to King’s vision.
6. Cutting-Edge Action and Visuals
With Industrial Light & Magic handling visual effects, the movie promises stunning action sequences. Filming took place in London, including a high-energy scene at Wembley Stadium.
7. A Killer Marketing Campaign
The first trailer, released on July 1, 2025, features a remix of Underdog by Sly and the Family Stone. Powell even appeared in a viral social media video to promote it.
The movie will release in IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, offering an immersive experience. Early footage shown at CinemaCon received strong reactions, with critics praising Powell’s performance and Wright’s direction.
Fans of Stephen King, action thrillers, and dystopian stories won’t want to miss this.
Also read: Glen Powell Sought Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Blessing for ‘Running Man’ Remake with Patrick’s Aid
