Glen Powell is set to star in the highly anticipated remake of Stephen King’s dystopian novel, The Running Man, releasing in theaters on November 14. The film, directed by Edgar Wright, has already received praise from King himself, as well as other industry legends, highlighting the excitement around this fresh take on the cult classic.
Industry Veterans Endorse The Running Man’s New Adaptation
The film, which is the second adaptation of King’s 1982 novel, follows Glen Powell in a physically demanding role that marks a significant shift from past portrayals. Edgar Wright’s vision includes changes to the story’s ending, offering a new experience for fans. Stephen King shared his enthusiasm about the remake, saying,
“Like it? I love it! It’s faithful enough to the book to keep the fans happy, but different enough to make it exciting for me.”
This endorsement from the horror icon adds considerable weight to the film’s credibility.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, star of the 1987 version of The Running Man, also commended the new movie. Glen Powell revealed that Schwarzenegger was highly impressed, stating,
“He was so excited that the Stephen King book we put on screen,”
and added,
“It’s really the first time Stephen’s vision has been properly adapted. He just kept saying, ‘It’s incredible.’”
Schwarzenegger further acknowledged the demanding nature of Powell’s role:
“But the first thing he told me was, ‘This was a very painful movie for you.’…He’s like, ‘One of the hardest action movies – those are just not easy things to get right.’”
Tom Cruise has also expressed his admiration for the film, with Powell recalling,
“He was so stoked after watching it. What’s been amazing about my relationship with Tom is that he’s a guy who doesn’t hide his excitement. He loves the theatrical experience, working hard, and putting your body on the line to entertain audiences.”
This level of approval from multiple action stars highlights the film’s potential as both an intense thriller and a physically rigorous production.
The Cast and Creative Team Bring Variety and Depth
Alongside Glen Powell, the ensemble cast features William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. Powell will portray Ben Richards, with Brolin playing Dan Killian and Lawson as Sheila Richards. Lee Pace’s character is Evan McCone. Each actor contributes to the complex narrative, promising a well-rounded performance across the board.
Edgar Wright’s direction adds a fresh dimension to this adaptation, aiming to blend faithful elements of King’s original story with new creative choices. The trailer suggests a gripping, high-stakes competition, filled with action and suspense that sets this version apart from Schwarzenegger’s classic interpretation.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of The Running Man’s Theatrical Release
As the release date approaches, anticipation grows among fans and critics alike, fueled by positive reactions from the author and action stars. Glen Powell’s diverse acting background, from Top Gun: Maverick to Hit Man, positions him well to lead this intense project. The collaboration with Edgar Wright enhances expectations that this remake will deliver a fresh, thrilling experience, blending nostalgic respect with innovation.
The Running Man will debut on November 14 in theaters nationwide, with excitement continuing to rise as audiences prepare for a bold retelling of Stephen King’s story under the striking performance of Glen Powell.
