Glen Powell is racing back into the spotlight with a lead role in Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated remake of "The Running Man," set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. This new adaptation, based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, promises a grittier and more faithful retelling than the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger classic, diving deep into the dark heart of King’s dystopian vision.
Set in a near-future America gripped by a brutal reality TV show, "The Running Man" pits desperate contestants, known as "runners," against professional assassins called "hunters." These runners must survive 30 days on the run, with every harrowing moment broadcast live to a bloodthirsty public. The stakes are life and death, and the prize—a billion-dollar jackpot—beckons the desperate and the daring alike.
Powell plays Ben Richards, a working-class father struggling to make ends meet and desperate to save his sick daughter. Banned from steady work and facing crushing financial hardship, Ben sees the deadly game show as his last hope. Unlike the 1987 film, which confined Schwarzenegger’s character to a controlled arena, this iteration sets Ben loose across the country, hunted relentlessly as millions watch his every move.
Edgar Wright, known for cult classics like "Shaun of the Dead," "Baby Driver," and "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," brings his signature kinetic style and razor-sharp direction to the project. He co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall, who has an impressive track record with energetic scripts such as "Scott Pilgrim" and "21 Jump Street." Wright has long expressed a desire to remake the original "Running Man" film, and this project fulfills that ambition with a fresh, faithful take on King’s novel.
At CinemaCon in April 2025, Powell shared, "I have never worked harder on a movie in my life," underscoring the intense physical and emotional demands of the role. The first trailer, released alongside the announcement, showcases a pulse-pounding narrative filled with high-stakes action and a society obsessed with televised violence.
The cast is a standout ensemble, featuring Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the charming yet ruthless producer who lures Ben into the deadly game show. Colman Domingo takes on the role of Bobby Thompson, the magnetic and wild host of the show, whose presence electrifies the screen. Michael Cera delivers a surprising turn as Bradley Throckmorton, a rebellious ally who aids Ben in his fight for survival. The cast also includes Katy O’Brian, Daniel Ezra, Emilia Jones, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Jayme Lawson, and Sean Hayes, each contributing to the film’s rich dystopian tapestry.
Filming began in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2024, and wrapped up on March 28, 2025. Notably, some of the action sequences were shot at the iconic Wembley Stadium, promising a grand scale and intense set pieces. Paramount Pictures, which announced the film’s development back in February 2021, is banking heavily on the movie’s success, scheduling its release for early November 2025, just ahead of the originally planned November 21 date. This timing puts it alongside other major releases like "Predator: Badlands," signaling a competitive but confident launch window.
Glen Powell’s casting has drawn particular attention, marking a significant moment in his steadily rising career. Known for his charm and versatility—from rom-coms to war dramas—Powell brings a relatable everyman quality to Ben Richards, infusing the character with grit and heart. Interestingly, Powell connected with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, Patrick, and received the original star’s blessing for the new film. "Arnold gave us his full blessing and we get to give Arnold a very specific, fun gift from the movie," Powell revealed, linking the legacy of the 1987 film to this fresh reimagining.
Wright and Bacall’s script aims to capture the prescient themes of King’s novel, which eerily predicted the rise of reality television and society’s voyeuristic obsession with violence and spectacle. Wright noted in an interview with Yahoo News, "Even as a kid, I watched the Schwarzenegger movie and thought, ‘This ain’t the book!’" This new adaptation promises to correct that course, delivering a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The film’s synopsis lays it bare: "As ratings soar, so does the danger, with Ben outsmarting not just the Hunters but a society hooked on his downfall." This layered narrative explores not only the physical survival of the protagonist but also the cultural commentary on media consumption and moral decay.
With a powerhouse cast, a visionary director, and a story that resonates with contemporary concerns about entertainment and ethics, "The Running Man" is poised to be one of the standout films of late 2025. Fans of Stephen King, dystopian thrillers, and action-packed cinema have much to look forward to as Glen Powell races against time and deadly foes in this gripping new chapter of a beloved story.
