Author Stephen King has given his approval to the new ending of Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man, which diverges from his original 1982 novel. This Stephen King Running Man reaction comes amid conversations about how the Glen Powell-led film offers fans a fresh yet respectable conclusion to the classic dystopian story.
Novel and Film Take Different Paths to the Finish
The recently released adaptation, directed by Edgar Wright, introduces significant changes to how Ben Richards’ story concludes. In the original book, Richards brings the competition to a shocking halt by crashing a hijacked plane into the game show’s network building, resulting in his apparent death along with Dan Killian, who produces the televised contest. This ending underscored the novel’s dark critique of systemic exploitation and provided a dramatic conclusion for readers.
In a departure from the source material, Wright’s movie sees the network intervene before Richards completes his drastic act. The film depicts the network shooting down Ben’s aircraft before it reaches its intended target, leading both characters and audiences to presume the rebellious contestant has died in the crash.
However, the plot takes another turn when it is revealed that Richards survives the destruction. Not only does he manage to escape, but he also gathers a group of protestors and storms the next edition of The Running Man game. This confrontation ends with Richards shooting Dan Killian, shifting the story’s tone from despair to one of retaliation and the hope for justice.
Stephen King’s Perspective on the Remake’s Conclusion
When discussing the change, Stephen King told Entertainment Weekly his conviction that fans of the book will not be disappointed by the film’s fresh conclusion.
“I like the ending of Edgar’s version of The Running Man very much,”
Stephen King, Horror Writer.
He continued,
“Can’t say too much — spoilers — but I think readers of the novel will be satisfied because they get to have it both ways. If you see what I mean, and I’m betting you do.”
Stephen King, Horror Writer.
Director Edgar Wright, who led the new adaptation, admitted to feeling apprehensive about sharing the changes with King. He recalled,
“Stephen King read the screenplay before we started filming, and so I was kind of most nervous about what he would think, but he loved it,”
Edgar Wright, Director.
Wright also shared another insight from King post-screening:
“He watched the film recently, and one thing he said that I really liked, he said, ‘It’s much more faithful to the book, but different enough to keep it exciting for me.’”
Edgar Wright, Director.
The Broader Impact of The Running Man Remake
Premiering in London and opening nationwide on November 14, 2025, Wright’s reinterpretation has sparked renewed interest in King’s dystopian themes and the ethical dilemmas posed by deadly television competitions. The dynamic between Ben Richards, Killian, and the surrounding protestors is freshly explored in this version, which still centers on issues of power and rebellion, but allows for a more nuanced sense of hope.
With Stephen King’s positive feedback, the new ending stands as a bold example of how adaptations can honor their source while forging fresh paths. As more readers and moviegoers compare the book and film, King’s approval may help bridge longtime fans and newcomers, keeping The Running Man’s legacy alive in popular culture.
