Stephen Kinghas already had a great year for adaptations in 2025, and things are about to get even bigger. His adaptation year kicked off withOsgood Perkins’version ofThe Monkeyin February.The Life of Chuckcame a few months later and got great reviews.
Following the release ofThe Long Walkmoviein September of this year comes Edgar Wright’s version ofThe Running Man. First published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, the1982 dystopian novel tells the story of a man named Ben Richards who enters into a game show wherein he must survive 30 days or be killed.
The Running Manwas previously adapted in 1987. This version of the story starred Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role. Now,Glen Powellwill star in Wright’s version, with a supporting cast that includes Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, and Katy O’Brian. This movie has a number of great aspects, but it is an especially great companion to a 2017 action movie.
The Running Man Trailer Looks Like A Fun Action Comedy
It’s Already Looking Better Than The Arnold Schwarzenegger Version
The Running Mantrailerhas just been released, and it’s looking promising. The film is action-packed and willseemingly cover a much larger geographical area than the 1987 version.The action choreography is modernized, and overall looks more compelling than Schwarzenegger’s version.
In addition to its more high-octane moments,The Running Manfeatures comedy. While the film has intense circumstances, even the trailer alone makes Ben’s wittiness shine through. Overall, this will make for a fun action comedy.
The Running Man Is Giving Baby Driver Vibes In The Best Way
Both Were Directed By Edgar Wright
The Running Manreally exudesBaby Driverenergy.Baby Driveris a 2017 movie, also directed by Wright, that stars Ansel Elgort as a getaway driver who faces a particularly challenging heist.
Like the King adaptation,Baby Drivercombined action with moments of comedy.Neither are constantly full of laugh-out-loud type gaffs, but the characters have sarcasm to them that adds a humorous edge to the projects.
Both films also feature a heroic main protagonist that audiences will root for.Baby Driverwas extremely well-received, with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, soany overlapThe Running Manhas with it will be welcome.
The Running Man Going Back To Edgar Wright’s Roots Is Great
Wright has made a couple of movies sinceBaby Driver, including the documentaryThe Sparks BrothersandLast Night in Soho. However, none of these films have had the same energy asBaby Driver.
Baby Driverhad the kind of momentum, wit, and grit of a classic Wrightmovie likeHot Fuzz. WithThe Running Manhaving some similar elements toBaby Driver, it seems the filmmaker will have a return to form. This is a welcome return, and coupled with strong source material from King, this lays a strong framework forThe Running Man.
