Stephen King Running Man ending: bleak finale altered for fans. [Image Source: COMICBOOK]
Director Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man is set to deviate significantly from the grim conclusion in the original 1982 novel, a change embraced by King himself. The story follows Ben Richards, portrayed by Glen Powell, in a dystopian future where Richards enters a deadly televised competition to secure a better life for his family. However, the novel’s finale is notably bleak, with Richards discovering the death of his wife and daughter before crashing a plane into the TV network as a final act of rebellion. Wright, known for his lighter comedic style, decided early on that such a dark ending would not fit his vision for the film.
Wright explained,
“Everybody knew at the outset that [the novel’s ending] wasn’t going to be part of this adaptation exactly the way,”
speaking with Film Stories. Stephen King was aware from the beginning that the movie would not replicate the original conclusion, as he acknowledged,
“He realised even before he read it that we weren’t going to be doing the ending from the book,”
Stephen King’s Support for the New Ending
Altering a Stephen King story’s climax carries inherent risks, but the author has expressed approval of Wright’s revised ending. According to the director, King reached out with praise, stating,
“And when he emailed back, he said, ‘I was very curious how you were going to tackle the ending, and I think you did a great job.’ So I was very happy with that.”
This endorsement provides strong support for the creative liberties taken in the new film version.
Legacy and Influence from Previous Adaptations
The 1987 film adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger already placed The Running Man firmly in pop culture. Wright and Powell recognize the challenge of reshaping the story for a new generation, particularly as some viewers might find it difficult to see past the Schwarzenegger portrayal. However, they have received Schwarzenegger’s blessing to bring a fresh take on this iconic narrative. Powell recalled their conversation, saying,
Image of: Stephen King
“Arnold gave us his full blessing, and we get to give Arnold a very specific fun gift from the movie in a couple of weeks here. So I’m very excited to see him.”
Schwarzenegger’s influence is subtly included in the film, notably with his image as a president on currency within the story’s world.
What to Expect and When to Watch
The new Running Man film promises a blend of intense action and a reimagined storyline that differs from both the novel and the Schwarzenegger classic. Fans can anticipate a fresh perspective on the dystopian competition as Wright injects his characteristic style while respecting King’s original themes. The movie is scheduled for release on November 7, and audiences eager for the next major sci-fi thrill will soon have the chance to judge the new ending for themselves.
