Edgar Wright’s upcoming adaptation of Stephen King The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, has ignited conversation following its recent trailer release. While the new version is expected to closely follow the plot of King’s original novel, there are indications that Wright might avoid the book’s bleak conclusion—a move that is sparking plenty of discussion among fans and critics alike.
The Approach of Edgar Wright’s Adaptation Differs from Earlier Versions
The original Stephen King novel introduces Ben Richards, a desperate father who enlists in a fatal game show called The Running Man to win funds for his ailing daughter. Edgar Wright’s trailer signals a focus on these emotional layers and keeps the family element at its core, a contrast to the Arnold Schwarzenegger film adaptation, which left out much of this personal story.
Glen Powell’s casting as Ben Richards aligns with the new film’s reported emphasis on dynamic action and emotional depth. However, many observers have noted that the tone of the trailer shifts away from the nihilism found in King’s book ending, suggesting Wright is leaning toward a more mainstream action-thriller experience.
In King’s narrative, Richards’ journey ends with him commandeering a plane and crashing it into the corporate building behind the brutal game show, following the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. This stark finish has long characterized the novel’s darker outlook.
However, despite Edgar Wright’s previous statements about faithfully adapting King’s source material, early signs from the trailer indicate the possibility of omitting this grim climax. Some speculate the trailer’s direction could be a deliberate misdirection, yet the decision to bypass the original ending could ultimately serve the new film well, particularly with Glen Powell leading the cast.
Reflection on the Original Adaptation and the Implications of a Changed Ending
The 1987 adaptation, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, made significant departures from King’s dystopian vision. The original film focused on action and spectacle, transforming the deadly game into a gladiator arena and downplaying Richards’ personal struggles. This shift resulted in a film that bore little resemblance to the complex themes and moral ambiguity of the source material.
Edgar Wright’s vision suggests a reversal of this approach, aiming for a version aligning more closely with King’s intent—though perhaps stopping short of the original ending. Considering King’s own reputation for divisive conclusions, commentators suggest that even if Wright deviates from the novel at the end, it may not undermine the adaptation’s effectiveness.
The context of current global events also shapes this discussion. The shocking nature of the novel’s ending—written before the September 11 attacks—could have an even stronger impact, or even seem inappropriate, for present-day viewers. For this reason, moving away from such a bleak finale may allow the film to reach a wider audience without alienating viewers.
Looking Ahead to the Release and Audience Reception
The anticipation surrounding The Running Man remake is heightened by the promise of a story that honors King’s original while updating its appeal for modern moviegoers. Whether Edgar Wright ultimately embraces, rejects, or reimagines the polarizing finale remains to be seen, but the project’s fidelity to the novel and high production values offer hope that it will surpass earlier adaptations.
Fans of Stephen King, Glen Powell, and Edgar Wright now await further details, including whether the final cut will choose a satisfying resolution or retain the source material’s darker edge. The Running Man is scheduled to premiere in the United States on November 7, 2025.
