Introduction to The Running Man Remake
One of the most anticipated films coming out this autumn is directed by Edgar Wright. Wright is known for his kinetic style and genre-bending flair and has recently turned his attention to an adaptation of Stephen King’s "The Running Man", a book published under King’s pseudonym, Richard Bachman. The film stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a desperate father who enters a fatal reality competition to take care of his family.
The Original Film
However, Wright is not the first to bring this story to the screen. The novel was first adapted into a film in 1987, with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead and played by Paul Michael Glaser. As buzz heats up for the upcoming remake, the original is sprinting back into the spotlight and will soon land on a free streaming platform. Tubi, an ad-supported streaming platform known for its growing library of classics and cult favorites, will make "The Running Man" available from July 1st, allowing fans to rewatch the dystopian action thriller from 1987 for free.
Differences Between the Book and the 1987 Film
The 1987 film took great liberties with its source material. Instead of portraying Richards as a regular man who enters the game to support his family, he is reinterpreted as a wrongly convicted officer forced into a sadistic game show where the government transforms executions into prime-time entertainment. While he is hunted by professional murderers, Richards not only fights to survive but also to uncover the government’s propaganda. The film also starred María Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez, who works for the state broadcast network but eventually sets Richards after discovering the regime’s deception. The cast also included Yaphet Kotto, Jim Brown, Jesse Ventura, and Erland van Lidth.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Support for the Remake
Arnold Schwarzenegger is not involved in Wright’s "The Running Man" remake, but the legendary action star has nothing but support for the new team. He has given the project his blessing and is looking forward to seeing how the new version will deliver in areas where the original fell short, particularly in its portrayal of the dystopian world. The expectations are high, promising a more ambitious approach with a larger budget and growth in relation to the result. In addition to Powell in the lead, the new cast includes Michael Cera, Katy O’Brian, Daniel Ezra, Karl Glusman, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, and Colman Domingo.
Release Dates
"The Running Man" will arrive on Tubi on July 1st, while the remake is set to hit cinemas on November 7th. Fans of the original and new audiences alike can look forward to experiencing the thrill of "The Running Man" in both its original and remade forms, each offering a unique take on Stephen King’s gripping novel.
