The much-anticipated remake of Stephen King‘s The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, is generating excitement, particularly as Arnold Schwarzenegger has shared insights on how the new version might improve upon the original. Discussing the upcoming film and focusing on
“Arnold Schwarzenegger on The Running Man remake improvements,”
Schwarzenegger reflected on the possibilities offered by present-day technology and resources that were not available during his 1987 performance as Ben Richards.
Schwarzenegger, who played the iconic lead in the original adaptation directed by Paul Michael Glaser, emphasized the significance of contemporary advancements in filmmaking as a way to address previous shortcomings. Although he is not involved in this new iteration as an actor or producer, he recently gave his endorsement and discussed his views in a public interview while promoting Season 2 of his Netflix series FUBAR.
Schwarzenegger Reflects on the Past and Endorses the Future
The 1987 version of The Running Man, while still a memorable part of Schwarzenegger’s filmography, did not achieve overwhelming critical acclaim at its release, with reviews tending toward the middle of the scale and a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics were split on the film’s execution, tone, and the limits of its budget, areas that Schwarzenegger openly recognized as hurdles at the time.
During a conversation with CBR, Schwarzenegger touched particularly on the movie’s budgetary constraints and resulting limits in visual effects, suggesting this was a missed opportunity in realizing the dystopian world’s true potential. He sees the remake as a chance for improvement, thanks to state-of-the-art technology:
“I mean, I love the idea that they’re doing a sequel to Running Man, or a remake. I don’t know what it’s going to be, but I mean, because I always felt when we did, Running Man was one of the movies that it did, that it felt like, I think it would have been great if we would have been better prepared for this movie, if we would have had more money for this movie, and if we would have had then… the visual effects, the technology of visual effects, that they have today, all of those things I wished after the movie came out, I felt like it could have been better. It was great, but it could have been better, and I think that they have a good chance now with the new Running Man to make it better. And I hope, for their sake and for my sake, I hope that they will be successful.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor
Plot and Vision: Bringing King’s Dystopia to Life
Based on a novel by Stephen King, The Running Man is set in a bleak future America where Ben Richards is forced into a deadly, televised contest. Contestants must evade professional hunters for entertainment, reflecting themes of societal oppression and media-driven violence. Edgar Wright helms the upcoming adaptation, co-writing the script with Michael Bacall, and has indicated a determination to follow King’s darker and more intense vision more faithfully than previous adaptations.
Early glimpses of the project, including footage presented at CinemaCon, suggest a relentless and visceral cinematic experience. The cast promises dynamic performances, with Glen Powell stepping into the lead role previously held by Schwarzenegger, and Michael Cera appearing as Bradley Throckmorton—Richards’ ally. Cera has offered his own perspective on the energy audiences can expect:
“a really fun ride. It’s a breathless movie. It just doesn’t stop. It shoots out of a cannon and just keeps going.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Joining Powell and Cera are Katy O’Brian, Daniel Ezra, Karl Glusman, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, and Colman Domingo, forming an ensemble poised for both action and depth. With the remake, Wright aims to expand upon the core themes explored by King, building not just a spectacle but a more nuanced and immersive world.
Introducing the Main Players of the Remake
Glen Powell assumes the central role of Ben Richards, taking on the legacy established by Schwarzenegger and striving to make the character his own. Josh Brolin will depict Dan Killian, adding his gravitas to the cast, while Jayme Lawson is set to play Sheila Richards. Lee Pace appears as Evan McCone, further broadening the movie’s star power.
The involvement of actors like Daniel Ezra and Colman Domingo ensures the supporting cast is as multifaceted as the primary characters, with Michael Bacall contributing on the writing front to keep Edgar Wright’s vision closely aligned with the source material. These casting decisions reflect an ambition to improve upon and differentiate the film from its predecessor, while maintaining the intensity and energy fans expect.
Looking Ahead: What Sets This Remake Apart
The decision to reboot The Running Man comes after decades of the original holding a cult-status, making the anticipation and scrutiny around the remake substantial. With advancements in visual effects, a more significant budget, and a talented creative team—helmed by Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall—this new adaptation is positioned to show what the story can become when not limited by the technology or resources of its era.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments underline an optimism that Glen Powell, with the direction of Wright and a fresh cast including Josh Brolin and Michael Cera, can deliver a version of Ben Richards and his dystopian world that both honors and exceeds what came before. As the November 7 release draws near, audiences and long-time fans of Stephen King’s work will be keen to see how these improvements manifest on screen, especially in light of the challenges and ambitions discussed by the original film’s legendary star.
