Edgar Wright's The Running Man: Glen Powell Takes on a Brutal Game Show

Get ready for an adrenaline rush! Edgar Wright's highly anticipated take on Stephen King's "The Running Man" is almost here, with Glen Powell leading the charge in a high-stakes, action-packed dystopian thriller that even Stephen King himself is raving about.

TL;DR: The Essentials for Edgar Wright's The Running Man

• When to Watch: "The Running Man" hits theaters on November 14, 2025.
• Who's In It: Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, with a killer supporting cast including Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, William H. Macy, Michael Cera, and Lee Pace.
• What to Expect: A "violent, rocking, good time" and a "bipartisan thrill ride" that blends Edgar Wright's signature comedic action with Stephen King's dystopian vision.

Edgar Wright's Vision: Breathing New Life into a Dystopian Classic

We've been buzzing about Edgar Wright's new film, The Running Man, for a while now, and the recent trailer really cements what we can expect: a wild, action-packed ride that takes Stephen King's (originally published under Richard Bachman) chilling 1982 novella and injects it with Wright's unique, often comedic, flair. Fans of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, directed by Paul Michael Glaser, will find plenty to love, but Wright is definitely putting his own stamp on this one.

Instead of leaning solely into the gritty dystopian dread of King's book, Wright's adaptation seems to be blending intense action sequences with some laughs, much like his other beloved comedic action fare (think "Shaun of the Dead" or "Hot Fuzz"). It's a smart move, especially in 2025, when stories of violent, futuristic bloodsports are totally having a moment again. This kind of genre, where in-universe entertainment involves life-or-death games for the masses, is thriving – just look at the success of "Squid Game," "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," and even Peacock's "Twisted Metal" season 2.

This subgenre typically dives into timely socio-political anxieties, like government overreach, media manipulation, and our society's fascination with violent entertainment. With our current political climate and distrust of media, 2025 feels like the perfect time for a movie that combines ultra-violence with sharp commentary on these very subjects. It's not just about the explosions; there's an intellectual component that makes these films resonate.

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

— Stephen King on Edgar Wright's "The Running Man" (via X and Threads)

Even Stephen King himself, the master of horror and the original author, has given it his seal of approval. After seeing the new trailer, he took to X (formerly Twitter) and Threads to declare, "I've seen it and it's fantastic. DIE HARD for our time. A bipartisan thrill ride." If King is comparing it to "Die Hard," you know we're in for some serious, high-stakes fun!

Glen Powell's Commitment to Performing White-Knuckle Stunts

At the heart of this new adaptation is Glen Powell, who plays Ben Richards, a poverty-stricken family man desperate enough to enter "The Running Man" – a popular television contest where the goal is to survive 30 days while professional assassins (and even regular citizens) try to hunt you down for a cash reward. Powell isn't new to action, but he's truly stepping into the spotlight here as a solo action lead, and he's bringing serious dedication to the role.

He's been candid about performing most of his own white-knuckle stunts. He really wanted audiences to see that it was him on screen, putting his body on the line. As he told Entertainment Weekly, there were times he was "getting rocked...thrown over, like off of roofs, and over walls, and taking real punches to the gut." He even insisted to Edgar Wright that the cameras show his face, so viewers knew it was him delivering the action. That's the kind of commitment we love to see!

Tom Cruise's Sage Advice on Running and Stunts

When you're playing "The Running Man," you better be ready to run, and who better to get advice from than Hollywood's king of running, Tom Cruise? Powell revealed that Cruise has been a mentor since their time together on "Top Gun: Maverick." When he landed the role, his first call was to Cruise, asking for all the tips on preparing for a physically demanding action film. Cruise's advice? "Hey, if it's called The Running Man, you better show up ready to run."

Cruise even shared insights on how to make running look "powerful and propulsive" on a massive screen. This mentorship extends beyond just running; Powell also consulted Cruise for advice on prosthetics for his role in Hulu's "Chad Powers," showing how much he relies on the action icon's extensive experience. It's clear Powell is taking his cues from one of the best in the business, which bodes incredibly well for his performance in this intense thriller.

Meet the Star-Studded Cast of The Running Man (2025)

Beyond Glen Powell, Edgar Wright has assembled an absolutely stacked cast to bring this dystopian world to life. Here's a look at some of the key players:

• Glen Powell as Ben Richards: The desperate family man forced into the deadly game show.
• Colman Domingo as Bobby Thompson: The bombastic, charismatic host of "The Running Man" TV show.
• Josh Brolin as Dan Killian: The conniving producer behind the scenes, pulling the strings.
• Lee Pace as Evan McCone: One of the relentless hunters tasked with tracking down and eliminating Ben Richards.
• William H. Macy: Appearing as an "ostensible underground figure" who helps Ben, providing a fake identity (but no C4!).
• Michael Cera: Also playing an underground figure, offering Ben some insight into the public's support.
• Jayme Lawson as Sheila Richards: Ben's wife, whose illness drives his desperate decision.
• Additional cast members include Emilia Jones, Katy O'Brian, and Martin Herlihy.

This impressive ensemble promises to deliver compelling performances, whether they're chasing Ben, hosting the deadly spectacle, or trying to help him escape the rigged game.

The Return of Bloodsport Sci-Fi: A Timely Revival in Pop Culture

As mentioned, Edgar Wright's "The Running Man" isn't just a standalone film; it's part of a bigger wave. Movies and TV shows centered around violent, futuristic "bloodsports" that serve as entertainment for the masses are totally back in vogue. This niche subgenre saw its heyday in '70s and '80s exploitation cinema with cult classics like "Death Race 2000" and "Rollerball" (and even earlier, 1965's "The Tenth Victim").

The resurgence isn't accidental. It's been fueled by massive commercial successes like Netflix's "Squid Game," which captivated audiences worldwide with its deadly games orchestrated by society's elite. "The Hunger Games" franchise, especially with "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" soaring at the box office in 2023, also reminded Hollywood of the genre's appeal. Even Stephen King's other adaptation, "The Long Walk," released in September 2025, contributed to this trend. "The Running Man" is set to continue this exciting revival, offering a new spin on stories that reflect our contemporary anxieties about media, power, and human nature.

Should "The Running Man" become a hit – and all signs are pointing that way – we wouldn't be surprised to see more remakes of those classic exploitation films like "Rollerball" and "Death Race 2000." It seems like audiences are hungry for these high-concept, high-stakes thrillers that offer both excitement and a mirror to our world.

Box Office Buzz: Predictions for Edgar Wright's Biggest Opener Yet

Paramount Pictures is bringing "The Running Man" to theaters during the bustling holiday season, a strategic move that could pay off big time. Early predictions for its domestic opening weekend range from a strong $40 million to $50 million. This would mark a significant achievement for Edgar Wright, potentially making it the highest opener of his career!

While Glen Powell has had recent hits like "Anyone But You" and "Twisters," "The Running Man" will be his true test as a solo action leading man in theaters. Wright's previous films like "Baby Driver" and "Last Night in Soho" saw more modest openings, so this film is poised to be a major breakout for both of them. It also benefits from Stephen King's enduring name recognition, even though his adaptations don't always guarantee blockbuster numbers (e.g., "The Long Walk" and "Doctor Sleep").

Its placement in November, as one of the few adult-oriented action films amidst a sea of family-friendly holiday releases (like "Wicked: For Good" or "Zootopia 2"), could also help its sustained box office performance. Past adult-skewing films like "Gladiator II" and "Dune: Part One" have shown that there's a hungry audience for this kind of fare during the holiday corridor. All in all, the movie is looking at a very promising run!

How to Catch All the Action: Theatrical Release & Special Formats

You won't have to wait long to see Glen Powell run for his life! "The Running Man" arrives in theaters on November 14, 2025. This is a film designed for the big screen, and certain cinemas are pulling out all the stops to make your viewing experience truly immersive.

For those in Cineworld, for example, you can complete a "triathlon" by watching the film in multiple special formats:

• IMAX: Experience Edgar Wright's visuals on a massive, floor-to-ceiling screen with incredible clarity and sound, bringing the dystopian world and explosive stunts to life.
• 4DX: Get in on the action with moving seats, wind, water, scents, and strobe lighting that sync up with the on-screen chaos. You'll feel every chase, every jump, and every explosion right along with Ben Richards!
• Superscreen: Enjoy the "ginormous" screen combined with Dolby Atmos speakers for booming, crisp sound that will make you feel every punch and every gunshot.

Whether you choose a standard showing or one of these enhanced experiences, you'll want to mark your calendars for November 14th to witness this thrilling new chapter in the bloodsport sci-fi genre.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered About The Running Man (2025) When does Edgar Wright's "The Running Man" release? "The Running Man" is set to hit theaters on November 14, 2025. Where can I watch "The Running Man"? The film will be released theatrically by Paramount Pictures. Check your local cinemas for showtimes, including special formats like IMAX and 4DX where available. Is this a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film? While it's another adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novella, Edgar Wright's film is a new interpretation rather than a direct remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. It maintains the core premise but offers a fresh take on the story's tone and style. What is "The Running Man" about? In a totalitarian future, a desperate man named Ben Richards (Glen Powell) enters a deadly reality game show where he must evade professional killers and the general public for 30 days to win a huge cash prize for his sick daughter. Sources

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