The Stephen King Running Man adaptation, directed by Edgar Wright, launched with a strong box office debut, drawing $6 million on its opening day, including impressive Thursday preview numbers. Released across theaters, this marks the second feature-length adaptation of King’s 1982 novel written under the Richard Bachman pseudonym, with Glen Powell starring in the lead.
In its first three days, the action-packed film is projected to reach around $20 million in ticket sales, putting it in direct competition for the top spot against Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. The movie, which envisions a world where people compete in deadly televised battles reminiscent of “Squid Game,” is poised to become one of the most successful Stephen King adaptations at launch, trailing only the debuts of It and It: Chapter Two.
Box Office Success and Context Among King Adaptations
The Running Man’s anticipated opening weekend haul rivals past King adaptations, such as The Green Mile—which earned $18 million in its first three days in 1999—and 1408, which brought in $20 million nearly ten years ago. The Tom Hanks-led The Green Mile benefited from release during the holiday season and ultimately surpassed $135 million, showcasing the potential staying power of King-based films. Recently, another darkly themed adaptation, The Long Walk, also attracted audiences with a $12 million debut.
This new film’s budget reportedly sits at $110 million, making its robust opening crucial to financial success. The previous 1987 film version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger underperformed with under $40 million globally, offering a clear point of contrast for the current release driven by Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, and a notable supporting cast including William H. Macy, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, Jayme Lawson, and Katy O’Brian.
Critical and Audience Reactions Highlight Mixed Reviews
Critical reception to Edgar Wright’s take on the story has been divided. With a current 65% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, reviewers acknowledge both the film’s ambition and its uneven execution. The consensus reads,
“Spiritedly sprinting through grim source material, Edgar Wright’s The Running Man doesn’t live up to the director’s high bar for inventive action extravaganzas but maintains a slick stride.”
– Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus.
Some outlets have praised the film for engaging with challenging themes. Aidan Kelley of Collider described the movie as one of Wright’s most
“politically charged and challenging movie yet,”
adding that,
“The timing of The Running Man really is impeccable.”
– Aidan Kelley, Collider
Strong Audience Response Fuels Momentum
Despite mixed critical reactions, audience feedback has been considerably more positive. The Running Man currently holds an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a B+ grade from CinemaScore, similar to the reception of action hits like Jason Statham’s The Beekeeper and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. This suggests strong word-of-mouth could help the film’s continued success, resonating with moviegoers even where critics are divided.
Longtime King fans and general audiences alike appear drawn to the dystopian premise and the film’s intense survival contest, where competitors, including Ben Richards (portrayed by Glen Powell), are hunted worldwide by lethal pursuers like Dan Killian (played by Josh Brolin). The adaptation’s approach stands apart from earlier versions, offering both a timely and high-stakes interpretation that appeals to a broad audience.
What This Means for the Current Era of King Adaptations
The robust debut of the Stephen King Running Man adaptation underlines the enduring commercial pull of King’s stories and the potential of reimagined classics in the modern era. With names such as Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Edgar Wright, and Stephen King in the spotlight, this adaptation demonstrates that complex, emotionally charged narratives can draw large crowds even amid competition. The film’s continuing box office performance will indicate whether it can surpass prior benchmarks set by acclaimed King adaptations and inspire a new wave of similar projects in Hollywood.
