Get ready to sprint into theaters this November for The Running Man, a highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel, written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. Directed by Edgar Wright, known for his kinetic and genre-bending films like Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, this dystopian action thriller promises to deliver a fresh, faithful take on King’s prescient story. With a stellar cast led by Glen Powell and a release date set for November 7, 2025, here’s everything you need to know about this exciting cinematic event.
A Dystopian Game Show with High Stakes
Set in a totalitarian America in 2025, The Running Man follows Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a desperate father who joins a deadly reality TV show to win money for his sick daughter. In this brutal game show, contestants are hunted across the globe by professional killers, known as “Hunters,” while the world watches their every move. Survive 30 days, and you claim an ever-growing cash prize—but the odds are stacked against you, and the game is rigged. King’s novel, lauded for predicting the rise of reality TV culture, offers a chilling commentary on media, control, and survival, and Wright’s adaptation aims to capture its gritty essence.
Unlike the 1987 adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which leaned into campy action with gladiatorial “stalkers” in a confined game zone, Wright’s version returns to the novel’s roots. Described as an “intense, dangerous road movie,” the film follows Ben as he navigates diverse environments, meeting allies and enemies while playing the deadliest game of hide and seek. This grounded approach, combined with Wright’s signature humor and style, sets the stage for a thrilling, cinematic experience.
A Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, with Glen Powell leading as Ben Richards, an everyman driven by desperation and charisma. Powell, fresh off hits like Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters, has called this his most demanding role yet, noting, “I have never worked harder on a movie in my life.” His performance is backed by a talented cast, including:
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Josh Brolin as Killian, the maniacal TV executive who recruits Ben for the show.
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Colman Domingo as Bobby Thompson, the charismatic, bow-tied host whose showmanship masks a ruthless streak.
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Michael Cera as a quirky ally who electrifies his hallway to fend off Hunters, adding humor to the tension.
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William H. Macy as a man who aids Ben on the run.
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Emilia Jones as a privileged woman unaware of the government’s oppression.
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Katy O’Brian, Lee Pace, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Karl Glusman, David Zayas, and Sean Hayes round out the ensemble, bringing depth to this dystopian world.
Edgar Wright’s Vision
Edgar Wright, a lifelong fan of King’s novel, has been vocal about wanting to adapt The Running Man since 2017, when he named it as his dream remake on Twitter. Unlike the 1987 film, which deviated significantly from the source material, Wright’s version, co-written with Michael Bacall (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), stays closer to King’s vision. Wright has emphasized the novel’s “road movie” quality, with Ben moving through real-world settings rather than a staged arena, amplifying the stakes and tension.
Filming began in the UK in November 2024 and wrapped in late March 2025, with a first-look teaser unveiled at CinemaCon in April 2025. The footage showcased Powell’s Ben in gritty action sequences, Brolin’s manipulative executive, and Domingo’s volatile host, hinting at a blend of suspense, action, and dark humor. The trailer, released on July 1, 2025, has already sparked buzz for its high-energy pacing and Powell’s intense performance.
Why It Matters
King’s The Running Man, published over two decades before reality TV exploded, feels eerily relevant in today’s media-saturated world. Its themes of exploitation, surveillance, and societal control resonate strongly, and Wright’s adaptation aims to amplify these elements for a modern audience. The 1987 film, while a cult favorite, was criticized by King for straying from the novel’s darker tone. Wright’s version, with its focus on the book’s original story and a more grounded approach, could redeem the story on the big screen.
Paramount Pictures moved the release date from November 21 to November 7, 2025, to avoid clashing with Wicked: For Good and secure IMAX screens, signaling confidence in the film’s potential. With no direct box-office competition from other dystopian thrillers, it’s poised to draw fans of King, Wright, and Powell alike.
A Nod to the Original
The 1987 film, directed by Paul Michael Glaser, starred Schwarzenegger as a framed police officer battling colorful assassins like “Subzero” and “Buzzsaw.” Despite mixed reviews and a modest $38 million gross, it’s gained a cult following. Powell has shared that Schwarzenegger gave his blessing for the remake via a FaceTime call, even teasing a “specific, fun gift” for the action legend. While Wright’s film diverges from the ’80s version, it may include subtle nods to its predecessor, balancing homage with innovation.
What to Expect
Expect a visually dynamic, emotionally charged thriller that blends Wright’s stylistic flair with King’s raw narrative. The film promises intense action—think Powell crashing through windows and dodging Hunters—paired with sharp social commentary. Michael Cera’s electrified-floor sequence and Colman Domingo’s fiery outbursts suggest a mix of humor and menace, while Brolin’s “wonderfully maniacal” villain adds gravitas. With no trailers widely available yet, anticipation is high for this “cinematic treat” that Powell calls a “full meal” for audiences.
Mark your calendars for November 7, 2025, and prepare for a heart-pounding ride with The Running Man. Whether you’re a Stephen King fan, an Edgar Wright enthusiast, or just love a good dystopian thriller, this film is shaping up to be a must-see.
