Edgar Wright’s re-adaptation of Stephen King’s novel looks awfully timely.
Horror hierophant Stephen King first published The Running Man all the way back in 1982 under his Richard Bachman pseudonym. When it first hit the screen in 1987, the Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle didn’t bear a particularly close resemblance to the novel. Now here come director Edgar Wright (Shaun Of The Dead, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World) and star Glen Powell (every second movie right now) to remedy that.
The Running Man Trailer
What’s the plot?
As the official synopsis helpfully informs us…
“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.”
Who’s in it?
- Glen Powell as everyman hero Ben Richards.
- Josh Brolin as show producer Dan Killian.
- Colman Domingo as the host of The Running Man, Bobby Thompson.
- Lee Pace as hunter Evan McCone.
- Jayme Lawson as Sheila Richards, Ben’s wife.
- Michael Cera as rebel Elton Parrakis.
- Emilia Jones as Amelia Williams, a civilian hostage.
- William H. Macy as a man who helps Richards.
- David Zayas as Richard Manuel.
- Katy O’Brian as Laughlin, a contestant. Probably doomed.
- Daniel Ezra as a contestant. As above.
When’s it out?
The Running Man sprints into Australian cinemas on November 6, 2025.
What’s the vibe?
Definitely intrigued. While Wright’s take on The Running Man is clearly more beholden to the novel (for one thing, Richards isn’t a cop), there are definite elements of the ’87 adaptation’s prime time razzamatazz. Just look at Colman Domingo’s host. The big question, of course, is whether they’re going to do the book’s ending (IYKYK). There are definite hints in the trailer, if you know what to look for…
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