Edgar Wright stays true to Stephen King’s narrative in his upcoming adaptation of The Running Man.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Stephen King released several works under the name Richard Bachman before his true identity was revealed in 1984. Among these was The Running Man, which saw a previous adaptation featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, a fresh interpretation is being crafted by director Edgar Wright, known for films like Shaun of the Dead, Ant-Man, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho. Paramount Pictures has recently unveiled the trailer for The Running Man (2025).
(Spoilers for the 1982 book and 1987 movie below.)
King penned the original novel in a single week, setting it in a dystopian vision of 2025. The narrative unfolds in a fractured society where the economy has collapsed, and the United States is governed by a totalitarian regime. The main character, Ben Richards, lives in “Co-Op City” with his wife and gravely ill daughter, unable to find work due to being blacklisted. In desperation, he chooses to enter a perilous game show named The Running Man. Branded an enemy of the state, he is given a 12-hour head start before a contingent of elite Hunters—essentially assassins—embarks on the hunt. He is also compelled to record daily video messages for the audience.
The objective: endure for 30 days to claim a $1 billion prize. However, no participant has ever lasted that long; the record stands at 197 hours. Nevertheless, Ben earns a monetary reward for each day he survives and for each Hunter he eliminates, offering some financial relief for his family. Despite exceeding expectations, the odds are heavily against him, and King is infamous for his often grim conclusions.
The 1987 motion picture featuring Schwarzenegger diverged significantly from King’s source material, retaining the fundamental premise while leaning toward more sci-fi elements and explosive action sequences. For instance, King originally described Ben as “scrawny” and “pre-tubercular,” a stark contrast to the muscular action hero depicted in the film. While the 1987 adaptation was a thrilling spectacle emblematic of its era, it failed to capture King’s more nuanced satirical undertones.
Glen Powell takes on the role of Ben Richards, who participates in a lethal game show out of necessity.
He embarks on this dangerous journey for the sake of his wife Sheila (Jayme Lawson) and their ailing daughter.
Josh Brolin portrays Dan Killian, the unscrupulous producer behind the show.
Colman Domingo takes on the role of Bobby Thompson, the host of The Running Man game show.
The Hunters are hot on Ben’s trail.
William H. Macy also makes an appearance as a crucial ally for Ben.
Wright expressed his desire to adapt The Running Man in 2017, and the project was officially greenlit by Paramount four years later. Wright and co-writer Michael Bacall aimed to create a film that preserves the essence of King’s original story, rather than simply remaking the earlier film. This intention is evident in the new trailer, which balances intense action and humor while remaining aligned with the source material. The official synopsis reads:
In a future society, The Running Man has become the most popular television show—a deadly contest where “Runners” must evade professional assassins for 30 days, all while their every move is broadcast to an enthralled public. In a desperate bid to save his ill daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is persuaded by the show’s charismatic yet ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. However, Ben’s resilience and cunning quickly make him a beloved figure and present a challenge to the entire system. As viewership rises, so do the stakes, forcing Ben to navigate not only the Hunters hunting him but also a nation captivated by his downfall.
Alongside Powell and Brolin, the cast features Lee Pace as the lead Hunter, Evan McCone; Jayme Lawson as Ben’s spouse, Sheila; Colman Domingo as Bobby Thompson, the game show’s host; Michael Cera as the rebel Bradley Throckmorton; William H. Macy as a much-needed supporter; David Zayas as Richard Manuel; Emilia Jones as Amelia, a civilian hostage; Karl Glusman as a Hunter; and Katy O’Brian and Daniel Ezra as fellow contestants.
The Running Man is set to debut in cinemas on November 7, 2025. Interestingly, King’s 1979 Bachman novel, The Long Walk, which also revolves around a deadly competition, is scheduled for film adaptation release on September 12, 2025.
