Glen Powell's 'The Running Man' Is 'Fantastic,' Says Stephen King

Get ready for a wild ride! The new trailer for Edgar Wright's take on Stephen King's dystopian thriller has dropped, and even King himself is calling it a "bipartisan thrill ride."

TL;DR

• Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards in Edgar Wright's new adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man.
• Stephen King has already seen the film and raves, "I've seen it and it's fantastic. DIE HARD for our time."
• Mark your calendars: this action-packed thriller smashes into theaters on November 14, 2025.

Stephen King Endorses Glen Powell's Madcap Race Against Time

Move over, John McClane! Stephen King has officially given his stamp of approval to Edgar Wright's upcoming film, The Running Man, and he's not holding back on the praise. After the latest trailer hit the internet, showing Glen Powell in full-on "on the run" mode, King took to social media to share his glowing review. And when the horror master talks about an adaptation of his own work, people listen!

"By the way: I've seen it and it's fantastic. DIE HARD for our time. A bipartisan thrill ride."

— Stephen King

That's high praise from an author famously unafraid to criticize adaptations, even iconic ones like Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. So, King's enthusiasm for this new take on his 1982 novella is a huge signal that Wright and Powell have truly nailed the spirit of the story.

What's the Buzz About This New Dystopian Thriller?

If the title The Running Man sounds familiar, that's because Stephen King's (originally published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman) dystopian novel was first adapted into a cult classic film in 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. While that movie is beloved for its over-the-top action and neon-soaked aesthetic, it was a pretty loose interpretation of King's grittier source material.

Edgar Wright's version, however, aims for a more faithful retelling. It's set in a bleak near-future America (specifically 2025, which star Glen Powell noted feels eerily timely), where Ben Richards, a poverty-stricken man, agrees to participate in a deadly reality TV show. The prize? Enough money to save his sick daughter. The catch? He has to survive for 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with his every move broadcast to a nation obsessed with the violence.

From the looks of the trailer, Powell's Ben Richards brings a "swagger" reminiscent of Bruce Willis's John McClane, blending the novel's grim premise with Wright's signature style for what promises to be a "nonstop thrill ride" filled with action and perhaps some unexpected laughs.

Meet the Cast Leading the Chase

Edgar Wright has assembled an impressive ensemble to bring this thrilling story to life. Here's a quick look at who you'll see:

• Glen Powell as Ben Richards, the desperate contestant fighting for his life.
• Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the charismatic yet ruthless producer of the deadly game show.
• Colman Domingo as the show's host, adding another layer of captivating menace.
• Jayme Lawson plays Sheila Richards, Ben's wife.
• Supporting roles include the always-entertaining Michael Cera and veteran actor William H. Macy, along with Katy O'Brian, Martin Herlihy (from Please Don't Destroy), and Lee Pace (as Evan McCone).

Behind the Camera: Edgar Wright's Vision and Crew

Director Edgar Wright is known for his distinct visual style, sharp wit, and kinetic editing, seen in films like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Baby Driver. For The Running Man, he's reteamed with several key collaborators:

• Michael Becall, co-writer (also worked on Scott Pilgrim vs. the World).
• Steven Price, composer (scored Wright's The World's End, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho).
• Paul Machliss, editor (a constant Wright collaborator since Scott Pilgrim).
• Chung Chung-hoon, cinematographer (shot Last Night in Soho), capturing all the on-screen carnage.

Wright himself has clarified that this isn't a remake of the 1987 film but a fresh adaptation of King's original book. This approach, combined with his unique directorial flair, is likely what earned King's resounding approval.

Why The Running Man Resonates Now More Than Ever

While the film promises to be "cinematic escapism" and a "blast of a movie experience," Glen Powell points out its undeniable timeliness. The novel's themes of governmental overreach, media manipulation, economic desperation, and class warfare in a future where reality TV dominates society feel incredibly relevant today.

The film is part of a larger resurgence of the "futuristic bloodsport" subgenre, with titles like Peacock's Twisted Metal, the recent Hunger Games prequel, and Netflix's global phenomenon Squid Game. These stories often reflect contemporary socio-political anxieties, and The Running Man is poised to offer both thrilling entertainment and sharp commentary.

Box Office Predictions: A Potential Record for Wright

Industry analysts are already eyeing The Running Man as a major contender for the holiday season. Early predictions for its domestic opening weekend range from $40 million to $50 million. This would make it Edgar Wright's highest opener to date, surpassing previous hits like Baby Driver ($20.5M) and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ($10.6M).

Its strategic release on November 14, 2025, positions it as one of the few adult-oriented action films amidst a flurry of family-friendly holiday releases (like Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2). This clear niche, coupled with Stephen King's name recognition and Glen Powell's rising star power, bodes well for its success.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the New Film

When does "The Running Man" 2025 come out?

Edgar Wright's adaptation of The Running Man is scheduled to hit theaters on November 14, 2025.

Who is directing the new "Running Man" movie?

The film is directed by the acclaimed Edgar Wright, known for his distinctive style in movies like Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Is the new "Running Man" a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film?

No, it's not a remake. It's a fresh adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novel, aiming to be more faithful to the original source material than the 1987 film version.

What is "The Running Man" rated?

The official rating for the new The Running Man film has not yet been announced. Given the source material and trailer's tone, it's expected to be an action-thriller, but specific content details for a rating (e.g., PG-13, R) are still pending.

Sources: Based on recent news articles covering the trailer release and production updates for "The Running Man."