Stephen King’s Running Man is set to hit theaters on November 14, continuing a strong year of adaptations based on the author’s work. The new film reimagines King’s 1982 novel, originally written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, and follows on the legacy of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie. Schwarzenegger himself has expressed enthusiastic approval of the latest version, highlighting how it captures the spirit of the book more faithfully than previous adaptations.
Schwarzenegger Commends the New Adaptation’s Faithfulness and Intensity
Glen Powell, who stars as Ben Richards in the forthcoming film, shared details from his conversation with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Powell revealed that Schwarzenegger was impressed by how this version remains closer to Stephen King’s original vision, marking a notable departure from the 1987 film’s more action-heavy take.
“He was so excited that the Stephen King book we put on screen – it’s really the first time Stephen’s vision has been properly adapted. He just kept saying, ‘It’s incredible.’ He loved it – freaked out, was so excited. But the first thing he told me, he goes, ‘This was a very painful movie for you.’ He’s shot so many action movies, and he knows what it takes to throw yourself around.” Glen Powell, Actor
Schwarzenegger’s acknowledgment of the physical demands endured during production emphasizes the intense action and gritty realism that the reboot aims to achieve. This endorsement from a veteran action star bolsters anticipation for the film’s release and its reception among fans of the original story.
Positive Early Feedback Highlights the Film’s Appeal to Both Fans and New Audiences
The Running Man’s previous film version, starring Schwarzenegger, earned mixed reviews—holding a 65% approval rating from critics and 61% among audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. While that 1987 adaptation took liberties with King’s dystopian narrative, the upcoming reboot, directed by Edgar Wright, promises a more grounded and contemporary interpretation suited to today’s viewers.
King’s dystopian tale was initially set in 2019, a near-future date that has now passed, allowing Wright’s interpretation to update the story’s technological and social context. This reboot leans into a tense, immersive experience that combines thrilling action with the novel’s darker themes.
The film has already garnered praise from notable collaborators and fans of King’s work. King himself described it as “Die Hard of our time,” while frequent King movie director Mick Garris called it a “ferocious reboot.” Additionally, Christopher Miller, known for his work on Spider-Verse, lauded the movie’s energetic tone.
“Got to watch RUNNING MAN and this is [Edgar Wright’s] NORTH BY NORTHWEST. If you think you’ve seen what he can do with action with Baby Driver, you’ve got something special coming your way. He’s got all the toys and he is in full Hollywood Hitchcock mode. It’s a total blast.” Joseph Kahn, Director
Joseph Kahn’s comparison of the new film to Hitchcock’s iconic thrillers and the stylish action of Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver underscores the director’s innovative approach. Wright’s use of suspense and dynamic visuals aims to elevate this adaptation beyond the typical action reboot.
The Cast Bringing Stephen King’s Vision to Life
The reboot features a diverse cast that includes Glen Powell as Ben Richards, the protagonist fighting against the fearsome game show system at the story’s core. Josh Brolin stars as Dan Killian, with Jayme Lawson portraying Sheila Richards, Ben’s wife, and Lee Pace playing Evan McCone, a key antagonist.
These actors contribute to a layered portrayal of King’s dystopia, balancing intense action sequences with emotional depth anchored in the characters’ personal stakes and relationships.
Anticipation Builds as Release Date Approaches
With the film debuting on November 14, excitement continues to build among critics and audiences eager for another strong Stephen King adaptation this year, following the successes of The Long Walk and The Life of Chuck. Edgar Wright’s reinterpretation promises to offer a thrilling and faithful exploration of the Running Man story, one that resonates with contemporary issues while honoring King’s original themes.
Given the high praise from both Stephen King and Arnold Schwarzenegger, plus enthusiastic early reactions from industry veterans like Joseph Kahn and Mick Garris, the new Running Man is poised to become a significant addition to the growing list of acclaimed King adaptations in cinemas today.
