The excitement is real: Edgar Wright's "The Running Man" is almost here, bringing a fresh take on a beloved story! But here's where it gets controversial—this isn't just a remake of the 1987 cult classic; it’s a bold, more faithful adaptation of Stephen King's original novel. And this is the part most people miss: director Edgar Wright has spent years championing this project, finally turning his passion into reality.
The film stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards, stepping into a role famously portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger decades ago. The premise remains gripping—a dystopian game show where contestants face off against ruthless Hunters, their goal to survive 30 days and claim a billion-dollar prize. Failure means a brutal death at the hands of relentless vigilantes. No pressure, right?
Thanks to the lasting legacy of Stephen King's story and the cult status of the '80s movie, anticipation for this remake has soared, especially following its buzzworthy showcase at New York Comic Con. There, Wright was joined by Powell and Lee Pace, who plays the villainous masked figure Evan McCone. They thrilled fans with exclusive footage, a full trailer, and even some lighthearted moments, like Wright's fondness for Powell's dog Brisket—although the pup unfortunately stayed behind in Austin, Texas during the tour.
Here are five standout insights we uncovered about "The Running Man."
Edgar Wright's Passion Project Finally Comes to Life
Some might call it fate, others sheer determination, but one thing's clear: Edgar Wright made this film happen by simply declaring his desire to remake "The Running Man" on social media. This tweet planted a crucial seed in producer Simon Kinberg's mind, leading Paramount Pictures on an extensive journey to greenlight the project. Wright shared how he discovered Stephen King's Bachman books, particularly "The Running Man," as a teenager and noticed how loosely the 1987 movie followed the novel. His goal was to craft a version that stayed true to the book instead of rehashing the old film—a fresh remix rather than a direct remake.
Wright recalled receiving an unexpected email asking if he really wanted to direct this movie, which he enthusiastically confirmed. This moment, to him, was like a dream manifesting into reality, proving that vocalizing your ambitions can sometimes lead to incredible opportunities.
A Faithful Adaptation, Not Just a Remake
Here’s a spicy topic for film fans: when is a new movie a remake versus a fresh adaptation? Wright’s "The Running Man" leans firmly toward the latter. While there’s undeniable respect for the Schwarzenegger classic, this new film aims to closely follow King’s original narrative, offering a different experience for audiences. Wright noted that pleasing fans is one challenge, but impressing Stephen King himself was another level of pressure. Thankfully, King loved the script co-written by Michael Bacall, endorsing Wright’s vision and lending it credibility.
Glen Powell’s Unique Preparation for Action
For Glen Powell, this film marks a milestone as his first true lead in an action movie. Drawing on past experiences, including time on "The Expendables 3" set watching legendary action stars prep—sometimes literally pumping iron on location—Powell adopted their habit of warming up with weights before scenes. He fondly remembers riding a tank with Arnold Schwarzenegger during a special screening, calling it a career highlight. This behind-the-scenes glimpse shows how the cast is channeling authentic action energy.
Key Differences From Both the Book and Earlier Film
Here’s an ironic twist: Stephen King set the original novel’s events in the year 2025—our current year. Wright thought that was a neat coincidence but chose to keep the exact timeline vague, giving the story a timeless quality. Additionally, unlike the 1987 film's confined underground game setting, Wright's version expands the arena, allowing the hunt to play out on a much larger scale. Interestingly, the director admitted he initially underestimated the complexity of filming across 170 locations but later appreciated the ambition of the original movie's simpler setup.
A Secret "Scott Pilgrim" Reunion
While Michael Cera’s role as Elton Parrakis was a publicized fun callback to Edgar Wright’s cult hit "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," there’s a deeper reunion behind the scenes. Co-writer Michael Bacall, who worked alongside Wright on "Scott Pilgrim" and the "Jump Street" films, returns to help shape “The Running Man.” This collaboration hints at the blend of quirky energy and thrilling action fans can expect, turning the movie into an intriguing genre mashup and one of the year's must-watch releases.
"The Running Man" races into theaters on November 14, 2025. But here’s a final question to spark debate: Can this new adaptation live up to the legacy of both Stephen King’s novel and the iconic Schwarzenegger film? Or will it forge an entirely different path that challenges fans’ expectations? Share your thoughts below!
