There’s a very real reason to believe that the upcoming remake of The Running Man, the dystopian novel by Stephen King, is shaping up to be one of the standout films of the year. With the right director, vivid and modernized visuals, and a strong cast, this version has the ingredients for more than just another action movie. With the promising trailer garnering over 14 million views, I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be a major Blockbuster, further catapulting Glen Powell’s already stellar career.
Edgar Wright is not someone who simply remakes a familiar story and relies on nostalgia. He’s been known to have a distinctive style, kinetic editing, and a mix of humor and heart. In recent interviews, Wright described his version of the film as “a very intense, dangerous road movie” in which the protagonist is blindly thrust into a brutal game of survival as he moves through different environments. What makes this so interesting is that the 1987 adaptation that had Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role took heavy inspo from the King novel—but Wright has said that his new version will be much more faithful to the book. The combination of Wright’s style and dedication to the source material is an exciting win for fans.
The film stars Powell as Ben Richards, with a supporting cast that includes Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, and William H. Macy. It also garnered the blessing of Schwarzenegger, adding a kind of legacy approval to the proceedings.
Wright is also responsible for the screenplay, which he co-wrote with Michael Bacall, not to mention that production is being backed by high‑profile producers. It’s safe to say that the big picture is pointing toward a high‑quality execution that is sure to turn over loads of profit at the box office.
It’s kind of eerie how perfectly timed this remake has come to us, seeing how the core premise is about a struggling man who joins a televised “game show” where contestants must survive being hunted, in a society obsessed with entertainment, violence, ratings, and spectacle.
In an era of streaming culture, influencers, reality‑TV spectacles, and online virality, the idea of mass entertainment being deadly, dehumanizing, and systemic hits pretty hard. Wright’s take is said to put an emphasis on the survival aspect, turning the story into a broader and slightly more scary chase.
While many consider Schwarzenegger’s version to be a cult classic, the biggest complaint was how it veered significantly from the book. This remake acknowledges its roots while also reinventing the story for newer audiences. It finds a soft spot between honoring fans of the original and offering something bold and fresh—and in the “Wright” hands (don’t hurt me), that’s a promising combination.
It’s also important to note that Powell is on a serious run with fans, as he is being called the next big movie star to take over when his Top Gun: Maverick co-star, Tom Cruise, hangs it up. He is an extremely likable Southern boy from Texas who happens to be charming, good-looking, and a talented actor across the board. I don’t think anyone better could lead this film to success aside from him.
The Running Man is set for a theatrical release in the U.S. on November 14, as sending it to streaming would have been a waste. This has the potential to run up some numbers just before Wicked: For Good comes charging in the following week. With the way it has been received at some events like last week’s NYCC and the one known screening that was held, I think it’s safe to say it will land in one of the best films of the year, no question.
The Running Man – in theaters November 14th
