Glen Powell's 'The Running Man' Reboot Gets Stephen King's Stamp of Approval!

The new trailer for Edgar Wright's take on Stephen King's classic dystopian novel, The Running Man, just dropped, giving us a wild look at its bleak future — and guess what? King himself has already seen it and given it a glowing, "fantastic" review!

TL;DR

• Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards in Edgar Wright's much-anticipated reboot of Stephen King's The Running Man.
• Horror legend Stephen King has seen the film and raves, calling it "fantastic" and "DIE HARD for our time."
• Prepare for a visceral, action-packed dystopian thriller hitting theaters on November 14, 2025.

Unveiling the Bleak, Bloodthirsty World of The Running Man

Alright, movie fans, buckle up! The latest trailer for the highly anticipated reboot of The Running Man is here, and it's everything we hoped for: fast-paced, intense, and dripping with that classic dystopian dread. If you thought reality TV was wild now, just wait until you see the near-future world Edgar Wright has cooked up based on Stephen King's original vision.

In this chilling future, The Running Man isn't just a show; it's the biggest, most-watched survival competition on television. We're talking a ruthless game where contestants, known as Runners, have to survive for a whole 30 days while being relentlessly hunted by professional assassins. And every single heart-pounding moment? It's broadcast live to a nation absolutely hooked on the violence. Sounds fun, right?

The trailer introduces us to Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a working-class guy pushed to the brink. His motivation isn't fame or glory, but a desperate fight to save his sick daughter. He accepts an offer from the show’s charismatic (but utterly cold-blooded) producer, Dan Killian, played by none other than Josh Brolin, to become a Runner. But Ben's not just another contestant. His raw defiance and fierce instincts quickly turn him into an unexpected fan favorite – a ratings juggernaut and, naturally, a massive threat to the network pulling all the strings. As his popularity skyrockets, so does the danger, forcing Ben to outwit not only the Hunters but an entire nation obsessed with watching him fall.

Stephen King Gives His Unusually Enthusiastic Seal of Approval

Now, here's the real kicker and probably the most exciting news for any King fan: Stephen King himself has seen Edgar Wright's new adaptation, and he's absolutely raving about it! King, who isn't shy about criticizing adaptations of his own work (just ask Stanley Kubrick about The Shining), took to social media to share his glowing review.

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

— Stephen King on X (formerly Twitter)

Calling it "fantastic" and comparing it to "DIE HARD for our time" is incredibly high praise from the master of horror. This comparison suggests that while the film maintains the gritty dystopian feel of his original novella, it also injects a hefty dose of action and perhaps some of that John McClane-esque swagger we see in Glen Powell's performance. It seems Wright has successfully put his own stamp on the material, much to the author's delight.

Assembling the Star-Studded Ensemble for This Dystopian Thriller

Beyond Glen Powell's rising star power, The Running Man boasts an impressive cast that’s sure to grab your attention. We’ve got:

• Glen Powell as Ben Richards, our desperate but determined protagonist.
• Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the ruthless and charming producer orchestrating the deadly game.
• Colman Domingo, who often brings gravitas to any role, plays a significant part in the show's operation.
• Michael Cera, known for his quirky charm, appears as an underground figure, hinting at resistance.
• Lee Pace also joins the fray, adding another layer of talent to the ensemble.
• Plus, look out for appearances by Jayme Lawson, Karl Glusman, Katy O’Brian, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Sean Hayes, and Martin Herlihy.

This ensemble promises a dynamic range of performances, from the desperate hero to the calculating villains and the shadowy figures trying to help Ben navigate this deadly world.

Edgar Wright's Distinctive Vision for a Classic Stephen King Story

This isn't just another remake; it's a fresh adaptation of King's 1982 novella, and having Edgar Wright at the helm is a game-changer. Known for his unique blend of sharp wit, stylish visuals, and high-octane action (think Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver), Wright is bringing his signature flair to King's grim narrative. This is great news for fans who appreciate a director with a strong creative vision.

Wright himself has been clear: his film isn't a direct remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. Instead, it aims to be a more faithful retelling of King's original book, which was published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. The novella is a much darker and grittier tale, focusing on the stark themes of economic desperation, class warfare, and media manipulation, all set against a bleak, totalitarian future.

This approach means we're likely to see a film that dives deeper into the social commentary King intended, while still delivering the thrilling action sequences Wright is known for. The screenplay, penned by Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright, suggests a blend of faithful adaptation and innovative storytelling.

How This New Adaptation Differs From the Original 1987 Movie

For many, The Running Man immediately conjures images of Arnold Schwarzenegger in a bright yellow jumpsuit, battling flamboyant assassins with one-liners galore. That 1987 film, while a cult classic, was a notoriously loose adaptation of King's book. It transformed the story into a vehicle for its star, focusing on a wrongly convicted hero battling gladiators in a contained arena, often with a campy, over-the-top vibe.

Edgar Wright's version, however, is deliberately steering away from that interpretation. This new movie aims to restore the novel's core premise: Ben Richards isn't a framed super-cop, but an impoverished man fighting for his sick daughter. The game itself is also fundamentally different in the book, evolving into a global, month-long manhunt where Ben is declared an enemy of the state and hunted by literally everyone. This commitment to the source material promises a more brutal, psychologically intense experience that aligns with King's original, grimmer vision, making it a distinct and compelling cinematic event.

Why The Running Man's Dystopian Vision is More Relevant Than Ever

It’s eerie how Stephen King's fictional 2025, first imagined in 1982, feels so close to home today. Glen Powell himself noted the "timeliness" of the story, observing how relevant King's vision of the future has become. He stated, "Even since we shot the movie, it has become more and more timely. It is unbelievable how Stephen King saw the future of 2025, the year that we are in right now, and how eerie it is to see where we are living and what it looks like, and how similar it is to all the events that are happening in this book."

This story of a society addicted to violent entertainment and governed by powerful media corporations, where economic desperation drives people to extreme measures, resonates deeply with our current anxieties. With political polarization and a growing distrust of media, the themes of governmental overreach and the commodification of human suffering for viewership feel disturbingly prescient. The resurgence of similar "bloodsport" narratives in hits like Squid Game and The Hunger Games further proves that audiences are eager to explore these complex societal issues through the lens of thrilling, often violent, fiction. Wright's film isn't just cinematic escapism; it's a sharp commentary on the world we inhabit.

Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Catch The Running Man

Ready to plunge into this thrilling new adaptation? You won't have to wait too long! The Running Man is set to race into theaters on November 14, 2025. It's a Paramount Pictures release, so expect it to be a major player during the holiday movie season.

Early box office forecasts are already predicting a strong opening weekend, with estimates ranging from $40 million to $50 million. This would mark the highest opener of Edgar Wright's career, and it's a big test for Glen Powell as a solo action lead after his successes in films like Anyone But You and Twisters. The film's strategic placement in November, alongside mostly family-friendly fare, positions it as one of the few adult-oriented action films available, potentially drawing a significant audience looking for something with a bit more edge. Get your tickets ready!

FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About The Running Man Answered When does the new The Running Man movie release? The Running Man is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 14, 2025. Is Edgar Wright's The Running Man a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film? No, it's not a remake of the 1987 movie. Director Edgar Wright's film is a new, more faithful adaptation of Stephen King's original 1982 novel. Who is directing the new The Running Man adaptation? The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Edgar Wright, known for his distinctive style in movies like Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver. What does Stephen King think about the new The Running Man movie? Stephen King has given the film a glowing review, stating, "I've seen it and it's fantastic. DIE HARD for our time. A bipartisan thrill ride." Sources

• Mashable - New 'The Running Man' trailer looks like 'Die Hard' meets 'Home Alone'
• ComicBook.com - Stephen King Gives The Running Man Reboot Glowing Review
• MovieWeb - Stephen King Has Seen The Running Man Reboot and Gives it a "Fantastic" Review
• The Hollywood Reporter - Glen Powell is on the Lam in First Official Trailer for ‘The Running Man’
• Rolling Stone - Glen Powell Escapes Death Again and Again in New 'The Running Man' Trailer
• Boxoffice Pro - Long Range Forecast – November 14, 2025
• IGN - The Running Man - Official Trailer #2 (2025)