A new take on The Running Man is on the way, and it’s not just a remake—it’s a complete reimagining. Based on the original 1982 novel by Stephen King (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), The Running Man is getting a fresh adaptation from director Edgar Wright. He promises a version that sticks closer to the source material than the 1987 cult classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. If that wasn’t enough to spark our interest, Top Gun: Maverick breakout star Glen Powell is officially set to lead. And yes, he’s running but not in the way you might expect.
It’s not Just Sci-fi
When Edgar Wright is involved, things rarely go according to formula. Wright has already confirmed that his version of The Running Man will not be a traditional remake of the 1987 film but rather a faithful adaptation of King’s dystopian novel. That means: less cheesy action, more dark satire and commentary about media, surveillance, and authoritarianism. With his sharp visuals, kinetic pacing, and a track record for bringing cult storytelling to the mainstream, Wright’s take has the potential to be both stylish and scathing. Very much in line with today’s Black Mirror crowd.
After charming audiences in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, Glen Powell is proving he can do more than rom-coms and fly fighter jets. The Running Man positions him to fully take the reins as a new kind of leading man. The original novel is much more than a man-on-the-run thriller. It’s a razor-sharp critique of capitalism, reality television, and how society devalues human life for entertainment. In today’s streaming-obsessed world it’s hard to imagine a more timely story. Wright is likely to lean into those themes, especially given his previous work. Expect something darkly funny, deeply uncomfortable, and way too relatable.
MORE: Glen Powell Asked For Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Blessing To Star In Running Man
Photos:
Here’re first look photos for The Running Man:
The Plot:
In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.
MORE: Katy O’Brian Joins Glen Powell in ‘The Running Man’ Adaptation
The Promo
Here’s the trailer for the movie:
Release Date:
The Running Man will open in Theaters on November 7, 2025.
