Stephen King The Running Man arrives on Paramount+ on January 13, offering viewers a fresh take on the celebrated dystopian story, this time with Glen Powell in the lead role. The streaming debut follows strong industry attention, as the adaptation has sparked mixed reactions among critics and longtime fans of Stephen King’s work.
Paramount+ Sets Streaming Date for The Running Man
The new adaptation of Stephen King The Running Man will be available to all Paramount+ subscribers starting January 13. This version is led by director Edgar Wright, recognized for his work on Last Night in Soho and Baby Driver, and introduces Glen Powell as Ben Richards, reinventing a role previously played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 film. The earlier version, despite its cult following, received criticism for its approach to King’s original story, and Powell’s portrayal brings a new perspective to the character in this retelling.
Plot Set in a Disturbing Future
This film reimagines Ben Richards as a man struggling to survive in a future dominated by an authoritarian media conglomerate. After a series of failed job attempts, Richards finds himself desperate to provide lifesaving care and medication for his daughter. In a risky move, he joins a brutal televised contest, The Running Man, where he must evade deadly hunters across the nation and survive for a shot at a billion-dollar prize. The story explores issues of survival, media power, and sacrifice, raising the stakes for both Richards and the society that watches the spectacle unfold.
A Diverse and Notable Cast
The cast assembled for this adaptation is wide-ranging and includes William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. Each actor plays a key character: Josh Brolin stars as Dan Killian, while Glen Powell takes on the central role of Ben Richards. Director Edgar Wright’s approach and the ensemble’s talent aim to bring new depth to Stephen King’s narrative and its themes of oppression and resistance.
Mixed Reception and Streaming Success
The new version of The Running Man holds a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 63%, slightly higher than the original’s score of 59%. However, the film fell short at the box office, generating around $69 million against a budget of $110 million. Contrary to expectations, it found greater success on video-on-demand platforms, topping streaming charts and becoming a leading purchase across several services.
Star Power and Future Projects
Main actor Glen Powell, already known for action roles in movies such as Anyone But You, Twisters, Hit Man, and Top Gun: Maverick, continues to solidify his status in Hollywood. Powell’s upcoming slate includes the second season of Chad Powers, films like How to Make a Killing, Ghost Writer, and The Natural Order, along with additional projects involving prominent creators like Judd Apatow and Ron Howard.
Looking Ahead to Paramount+ Debut
The Running Man, featuring an ensemble including Colman Domingo and Emilia Jones, is set to launch for all paying Paramount+ subscribers on January 13. As anticipation builds among Stephen King enthusiasts and fans of action thrillers, the streaming release will bring wider access to this intense new interpretation, making it a notable event in the calendar for both longtime followers and those new to the story.
