Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his extensive film career, recently expressed a desire to revisit one of his earlier movies. He singled out the 1987 sci-fi action film The Running Man as the project he wished had been redone. His hope has come true with a 2025 remake, which has received his enthusiastic endorsement.
A Fresh Adaptation Aligned with Stephen King’s Original Vision
The new Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, is set to be released on November 14, 2025. It is a more faithful adaptation of Stephen King‘s novel compared to the original movie. The story centers on Ben Richards, played by Glen Powell, who participates in a deadly game show where he must evade assassins while surviving for 30 days. This differs significantly from the 1987 version, which portrayed Richards as a wrongfully convicted criminal rather than closely following the novel’s premise.
Schwarzenegger’s Endorsement and Enthusiasm for the New Film
In a video shared on Edgar Wright’s Instagram, Schwarzenegger spoke to the director and lead actor about the remake, praising its advancements over the original. He stated,
“The only movie that I always wanted to have redone of my movies was Running Man. So now this one really upped it and did exactly that. So really fantastic. And the action was unbelievable and creative.”
Schwarzenegger also made a lighthearted comment about his face appearing on fictional $100 bills in the new film:
“I think it was funny with the hundred dollar bills,”
to which the director and Powell responded by presenting him with an oversized prop of the bill.
Positive Reactions from the Cast and Insights into the Filmmaking Process
Glen Powell shared more about Schwarzenegger’s response during a ScreenRant interview, revealing the depth of appreciation and understanding the veteran actor showed. Powell recounted,
“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.”
Powell also emphasized Schwarzenegger’s excitement for the remake’s faithfulness to King’s original text. He remarked,
“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,”
adding,
“He just kept saying, ‘It’s incredible.’”
Comparing the Classic and the New Versions of The Running Man
The 1987 Running Man, directed by Paul Michael Glaser and written by Steven E. de Souza, is set in a dystopian 2017 United States where the government controls the populace through deadly televised game shows. Schwarzenegger starred as Ben Richards, a framed convict forced to survive the brutal contests orchestrated by Damon Killian, portrayed by Richard Dawson.
In contrast, Edgar Wright’s remake shifts focus back to King’s original storyline, with Glen Powell taking the lead role of Richards. Josh Brolin appears as Dan Killian in the new version, a character inspired by the original’s game show host but adapted for a modern context. The remake dives deeper into the survival aspect, blending high-stakes action with intense suspense.
Anticipation Surrounding the 2025 Release and Streaming Availability of the Original
Edgar Wright’s The Running Man will open in theaters on November 14, 2025, introducing a new generation to the story’s high-tension narrative. Meanwhile, those interested in the classic take on the story can stream the 1987 version on Paramount+ in the United States. The remake’s closer adherence to Stephen King’s book is generating significant interest among fans of the novel and the franchise.
Significance of the Remake for Fans and the Franchise
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s approval of the new Running Man signals a meaningful moment for both fans and filmmakers. His praise underscores the remake’s success in capturing the intensity and creativity that audiences expect from modern action films, while honoring the source material. The updated version may also spark renewed discussions about how adaptations can better represent original works, especially in the realm of genre cinema.
With the original’s cult status and the involvement of accomplished talents such as Edgar Wright and Glen Powell, the 2025 Running Man stands to make a significant impact on the action and science fiction genres. The balance between honoring the past and innovating for the future gives this project a unique position in the evolving landscape of Hollywood remakes.
