#^Everything We Know About Edgar Wright’s Bold New Version of The Running ManBack in 1987, Arnold Schwarzenegger strapped on a neon jumpsuit and ran for his life in The Running Man. The film was a violent cult favourite that mashed up dystopia with game show satire.
The film was loosely based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel written under his Richard Bachman pen name. It was far from true to its source material, though.
Nearly four decades later, English director Edgar Wright is taking the baton and running with it, promising a version that’s much closer to King’s original vision. And if early footage and cast details are anything to go by, this is shaping up to be one of the big cinema events of 2025.
A Story Closer to Stephen King’s Book
The original Running Man movie reimagined King’s bleak novel into a muscle-bound action romp. Schwarzenegger’s Ben Richards was a wrongly convicted cop forced to compete in a deadly televised game. Wright, however, has gone back to the book he adored as a teenager. His film returns Richards to being an ordinary man driven by desperation.
Rising star Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You) plays Ben Richards, a working-class father who agrees to enter The Running Man not because of a wrongful conviction, but to save his sick daughter.
The setup is more grounded. Richards is less a superhero and more a reluctant everyman. Instead of being confined to a single zone like in the 1987 film, Ben is hunted across the entire country. Drones track his every move, and killers close in from every side.
The Villains – Producers, Hosts, Hunters
Wright has split the show’s villains into two distinct roles just like in King’s novel. Josh Brolin steps in as Dan Killian, the ruthless executive producer of the show who sees Ben as the perfect contestant. Colman Domingo plays Bobby Thompson, the charismatic host who whips audiences into a frenzy while demanding Ben’s downfall.
Domingo describes Bobby as “someone who knows he’s loved by America and they listen to him. He’s having a good time,” though his mask of charm cracks when Ben refuses to play by the rules.
On the hunting side, Lee Pace plays Evan McCone, a skilled stalker. Katy O’Brian and Daniel Ezra appear as other contestants navigating the deadly game.
Running Man Cast: A Stacked Line-Up
The supporting cast is packed with talent. Emilia Jones (CODA) appears as Amelia Williams, a civilian caught up in the chaos. William H. Macy (Fargo) plays an ally Richards meets on the run. Michael Cera pops up as Elton Parrakis, a rebel who helps Richards, complete with one of the trailer’s standout moments involving a booby-trapped hallway and a pump-action water gun.
Other names include Jayme Lawson (The Batman), David Zayas (Dexter), and Karl Glusman (Nocturnal Animals).
Edgar Wright’s Vision
For Wright, this is something of a passion project. The director was well-known for the Cornetto Trilogy of films before going a bit more Hollywood with Baby Driver. The British filmmaker has always had a knack for blending kinetic action with dark humour.
He’s promised to deliver a faithful King adaptation, but one that still carries his stylistic flair. Expect razor-sharp editing (long-time collaborator Paul Machliss is on board), bold visuals, and set pieces with a satirical bite.
Wright co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall (21 Jump Street). He’s producing alongside Simon Kinberg (Deadpool, The Martian) and frequent collaborator Nira Park. Industrial Light & Magic is handling visual effects – this usually means impressive production.
The star Glen Powell revealed that he went to none other than Tom Cruise for tips on how to look good running on camera – an essential skill for a movie literally called The Running Man. Cruise’s advice? “Film yourself running. You don’t look as cool as you think you do.”
First Footage Reaction
The first clips shown at CinemaCon and later teasers confirmed the film’s mix of action and satire. Highlights included Richards smashing a drone camera while shouting, “Stop following me!”
Critics noted the tone feels grittier than the Schwarzenegger film, with a lot more satire aimed at media culture, but Wright’s trademark humour ensures it’s not a joyless dystopia.
Not Just a Reboot
One thing that should be stressed is that his Running Man isn’t a remake of the Schwarzenegger film, but a re-adaptation of the novel. The movie is sticking closer to King’s vision, and perhaps Wright is aiming for a darker, more satirical story. A bit less neon camp, a bit more 1984.
That doesn’t mean the 1987 movie is being ignored. Wright has spoken fondly of it and even seems to have borrowed some flamboyant touches for the game show sequences.
Release Date and Formats
The Running Man is set to hit cinemas on 14th November 2025, distributed by Paramount Pictures. It will be released in standard screens as well as premium formats like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX. Originally, it had been scheduled for 21st November, then briefly moved to the 7th, but the final date was set to avoid clashing with
Predator: Badlands.
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Everything We Know About Edgar Wright’s Bold New Version of The Running Man appeared first on
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