The Running Man
There has been no shortage of Stephen King adaptations over the years. 2025, however, has seen a multitude of works based on his short stories and novels, from The Life of Chuck and The Long Walk to IT, Welcome to Derry and The Monkey. The latest big screen adaptation is The Running Man, the second film version of the story, following Paul Michael Glaser’s 1987 film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Edgar Wright is on directorial duty for this adaptation, with Glen Powell in the lead role of Ben Richards, a down-on-his-luck labourer, trying to escape poverty and provide a better life for his family. This leads him to take part in the deadly titular game, where anyone and everyone can be a participant and stop you in your tracks.
Wright’s film skews far closer to the source material; even though it was written in the early 80s, it feels timely with commentary on mass consumerism and reality TV, among other things that we take for granted. It is an interesting stylistic marriage of Wright’s trademark fast cuts and eclectic soundtracks with the dystopian nature of King’s novel. At times, the two can cancel each other out. The ending may prove divisive, making some noticeable shifts from the book and feeling slightly rushed.
The action, as we’ve come to expect from Wright’s previous films like Baby Driver, is visceral and heart-pounding. The race against the clock for Richards to stay ahead of his pursuers generates plenty of thrills. Powell is dependable in the lead role, full of witty putdowns and pent-up anger. He is ably supported by Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the show’s producer, manipulative and trying to stay one step ahead of efforts to usurp him. Colman Domingo’s host, Bobby T, is a delight, flamboyant and full of energy, egging the country on. Michael Cera also makes the most of the smaller but crucial role of Elton, who assists Ben on his journey.
The Running Man is an action-packed spectacle led by impressive performances. Changes from King’s novel may frustrate fans of the book, and the blend of Wright’s own trademark style and the dystopian tone of the story doesn’t always sync up perfectly. This is, however, an entertaining slice of escapism that does a good job with its tricky source material.
Christopher Connor
The Running Man is released nationwide on 12th November 2025.
Watch the trailer for The Running Man here:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS