Introduction to The Running Man
The countdown has begun, and the first trailer for Edgar Wright’s The Running Man has finally arrived. With it, Glen Powell officially enters the arena, bringing to life the action-packed reinterpretation of Stephen King’s dystopian classic. The film is set to hit cinemas on November 7 and promises a brutal, breathless ride with Powell as Ben Richards, a desperate man forced to survive a state-sanctioned death game for a chance to rescue his daughter.
The Star-Studded Cast and Crew
The 36-year-old Powell is not the only one impressed by what Wright has cooked up. At this year’s Cinemacon, none other than Tom Cruise watched the teaser alongside Powell, and according to Powell, the Mission: Impossible icon was blown away. While Cruise is not in the film, the trailer certainly hits the same adrenaline-loving sweet spot. Wright’s take looks to combine raw physicality, pitch-black satire, and a relentless pace, much closer to the original material than the 1987 adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. And yes, that Terminator star has seen what’s coming and has given his approval.
What is The Running Man About?
For those unfamiliar with the King original, The Running Man is set in a dystopian America where the poor are manipulated into participating in a deadly television show. Participants must survive for 30 days while being hunted by a rotating roster of sadistic assassins. If they succeed, they win $1 billion – but nobody ever has. Wright, who wrote the script with longtime collaborator Michael Bacall, has promised a faithful adaptation of King’s story. This means audiences can expect a darker, more visceral approach – not just another retro action film. In addition to Powell, the film features an ensemble cast, including Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Michael Cera, Katy O’Brian, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Karl Glusman, Daniel Ezra, and Jayme Lawson.
Behind the Scenes and Expectations
Glen Powell shared his experience watching the teaser with Tom Cruise, saying, "When I watched this teaser with Tom Cruise, I’ll never forget. He was so excited after seeing it. What was amazing about my relationship with Tom is the fact that he’s a guy who doesn’t hide his excitement. He loves the theater experience and works hard and puts his body on the line." Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the 1987 adaptation, recently expressed his thoughts on the new film, saying, "I always had the feeling when we did The Running Man… it could have been better. We didn’t have the money or the effects we needed. I think you now have a good chance with the new The Running Man to do it better. And I hope that for your sake and for my sake that you will be successful."
Conclusion
The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, is set to release on November 7, 2025. With its promising trailer and star-studded cast, this film is expected to bring a fresh and thrilling take on Stephen King’s classic dystopian novel. Audiences can look forward to a intense and action-packed experience that stays true to the original story while offering something new and exciting.
