The Running Man Remake: Glen Powell Takes Lead in Dystopian Reboot of Classic
Hollywood is set to revisit the iconic 1987 thriller as actor Glen Powell headlines a new remake of The Running Man. The original film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and was loosely based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel of the same name.
Powell takes on the lead role of Ben Richards, this time in a more faithful adaptation of the novel’s dystopian vision, directed by Edgar Wright.
Setup and Context
The story unfolds in a near‑future America where a popular television show forces contestants to survive deadly game‑show scenarios while being hunted by assassins. Richards enters the game to save his ailing daughter and ends up becoming a symbol of resistance.
Wright and screenwriter Michael Bacall emphasise that this version is not just a simple remake of the Schwarzenegger film, but a fresh interpretation more aligned with King’s original themes.
Cast, Production & Release
Alongside Powell, the cast includes big names such as Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, Michael Cera and others.
Production wrapped in early 2025, with filming locations including London and large‐scale set pieces.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on 14 November 2025, and in France on 19 November 2025, among other markets.
Legacy & Significance
This remake comes more than three decades after the original. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself reportedly gave his full blessing for the project.
The timing is seen as relevant: the original book’s 2025 setting is approaching, and themes of televised spectacle, societal collapse and media manipulation resonate in a modern context.
What to Look Forward To
Audiences and critics will watch closely to see how Wright’s version balances high‐octane action with social commentary. Will the “deadly game show” concept feel fresh? Can this remake satisfy fans of the novel, the original movie and new viewers alike?