Stephen King’s work has inspired countless films and shows over the years, but even his legacy comes with some major misses. One notable recent example is the remake of The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, which underperformed drastically at the box office before becoming a streaming hit on Paramount+. This sci-fi thriller, also featuring Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo, struggled to draw audiences when released in theaters late last year.
The Running Man Faces Box Office Struggles Despite Positive Reviews
Although The Running Man received relatively favorable reviews—with critics giving it a 63% rating and audiences scoring it at 78% on Rotten Tomatoes—these ratings were insufficient to translate into strong theatrical turnout. Many fans still expressed a preference for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s original 1987 version over this new take. Paramount reportedly invested just over $100 million into producing the film, resulting in a break-even threshold surpassing $200 million. Unfortunately, the movie only managed to collect $68 million in theaters, marking it as one of the more significant recent science fiction box office disappointments.
Edgar Wright co-wrote the screenplay alongside Michael Bacall and directed the film, marking Wright’s first feature since 2021’s Last Night in Soho—a horror project starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith. Wright is widely recognized for his previous films such as Baby Driver (2017) and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010), adding notable creative influence to The Running Man despite its commercial shortcomings.
Glen Powell Prepares for Upcoming Role After The Running Man
Following the setback of The Running Man, Glen Powell’s next film, How to Make a Killing, is set for release on February 20. This A24-backed project also stars Ed Harris and Margaret Qualley, created by writer-director John Patton Ford. Powell rose to prominence with Top Gun: Maverick and has maintained a busy career with roles in Hit Man and Twisters. The underwhelming performance of The Running Man marks a rare obstacle in Powell’s trajectory, making his next steps critical to his future success in Hollywood.
Viewers can now watch The Running Man on Paramount+, where it has gained considerable popularity. Continued attention to Powell’s upcoming films will reveal how this sci-fi bomb influences his rising career path.
Notable Cast of The Running Man
The Running Man stars Josh Brolin as Dan Killian and Glen Powell as Ben Richards, supported by Colman Domingo among others. This lineup brought considerable talent to the project, though it was not enough to secure box office success initially.
