The Stephen King box office remake, The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, had its first full theatrical weekend and quickly surpassed the original Dune film’s earnings. The movie brought in $17 million domestically and $11.1 million from international markets, reaching a global total of $28.1 million, just enough to overtake the $28 million box office of David Lynch’s 1984 Dune adaptation.
The Running Man Surpasses Classic Sci-Fi Films’ Earnings
On its debut weekend, The Running Man not only edged past Dune’s lifetime gross, but it also exceeded the original Tron’s box office numbers. While Disney’s Tron: Ares faces ongoing financial challenges, The Running Man’s new version has quickly climbed the earnings chart among major science fiction properties. The remake now eyes the 2024 film Borderlands, which managed a lackluster $32 million globally against much higher production costs. If momentum continues, The Running Man could soon overtake Borderlands and even approach the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film’s global tally of $38 million, possibly achieving this milestone in its second weekend.
Star Power and Creative Team Behind the Remake
Despite a star-studded ensemble, The Running Man’s opening weekend results have not matched expectations, especially considering its $100 million budget. Glen Powell leads the cast as Ben Richards, joined by Lee Pace as Evan McCone, Katy O’Brian as Jenni Laughlin, Josh Brolin in the role of Dan Killian, Colman Domingo as Bobby T, and William H. Macy as Molie. Edgar Wright, acclaimed for his distinctive style, serves as both writer and director. However, the film’s mixed reception has sparked debate among fans, with some expressing doubts about Wright’s current filmmaking approach following The Running Man’s release.
Critical and Audience Reception Remain Divided
The Running Man’s feedback from Rotten Tomatoes reveals moderate approval, with 65% positive reviews from critics and 79% from audiences. These figures keep the film away from a “Rotten” rating, yet it has not reached the threshold for “Certified Fresh” or “Verified Hot” distinction. The reception highlights considerable differences in opinion, which may affect the film’s overall performance as it continues its theatrical run. Nonetheless, devotees of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s original, and those interested in action or science fiction, might find the remake entertaining.
Main Cast and Characters
In addition to Glen Powell’s portrayal of Ben Richards, the cast features Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, giving well-known actors substantial roles within a new adaptation of Stephen King’s story. Other significant cast members include Lee Pace, Katy O’Brian, Colman Domingo, and William H. Macy, further emphasizing the movie’s emphasis on strong performances.
As The Running Man remake continues its run in theaters, its progress at the box office and evolving critical perception will determine its place among Stephen King adaptations and major sci-fi remakes. Audiences and industry observers will be paying close attention to see whether it can surpass its predecessors and recoup its notable production budget.
