One of Stephen King‘s most captivating and chilling dystopian narratives is getting a fresh adaptation with the highly anticipated release of The Running Man. This new version is helmed by one of today’s most esteemed directors and features an impressive ensemble cast. While the title may ring a bell for fans of the prolific horror author, it is also recognized as the cult classic Arnold Schwarzenegger film from 1987. In this iconic film, our beloved action hero battles against merciless gladiators like Fireball, Dynamo, and Subzero (not the one from Mortal Kombat), delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Though the 1987 film The Running Man is a thrilling ride and a quintessential Schwarzenegger movie, it does not truly reflect the dark tone and serious nature of Stephen King’s original novel. This situation is reminiscent of the notorious adaptation of David Lynch‘s Dune, which, while entertaining, diverged significantly from the source material. Now, acclaimed director Edgar Wright, known for Baby Driver, along with Twisters star Glen Powell, aims to present a more faithful interpretation of this beloved dystopian tale. To learn more about the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s work, including details about the cast, plot, crew, and more, here’s everything you need to know about Edgar Wright’s upcoming The Running Man remake.

8 What Is the Release Date for ‘The Running Man’ Remake?

Audiences can expect to witness a radically different portrayal of Ben Richards, now played by Glen Powell, when The Running Man makes its theatrical debut on Friday, November 21, 2025. This month is shaping up to be significant for cinema, not solely due to the The Running Man remake. Other highly anticipated films set to premiere that month include the post-apocalyptic thriller Predator film Badlands, Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos‘ exciting collaboration Bugonia, and Jesse Eisenberg‘s long-awaited magician heist sequel Now You See Me 3.

7 Where to Watch ‘The Running Man’ Once Released?

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The relentless and cruel challenges of The Running Man will be experienced exclusively in theaters when the film releases in November 2025. This decision for a wide theatrical release should come as no surprise. Edgar Wright’s previous films, such as Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho, have all premiered in theaters. Additionally, Glen Powell has demonstrated his box office appeal with his roles in blockbuster hits like Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters, ensuring that audiences will flock to see this new adaptation.

6 What to Expect from the Trailer for ‘The Running Man’?

As of now, the production for The Running Man is still in its early stages, which means fans will have to wait a bit longer before they can catch a glimpse of Edgar Wright and Glen Powell’s innovative vision for this Stephen King classic. As the film progresses, anticipation for the trailer will undoubtedly build, providing fans with exciting teasers that hint at the tone and style of the adaptation.

5 Meet the Star-Studded Cast of ‘The Running Man’

Leading the impressive cast of The Running Man is Glen Powell in the role of Ben Richards, a character who has catapulted to fame following his breakout performance in Top Gun: Maverick. Since then, Powell has delivered memorable performances in various successful films, including Hit Man, Anyone But You, and Twisters. Additionally, he will star in Hulu’s upcoming football comedy series Chad Powers, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.

The distinguished supporting cast of The Running Man features The Batman star Jayme Lawson portraying Sheila, who is Ben Richards’ wife in the original story. Additionally, Josh Brolin, known for his role in Avengers: Infinity War, is cast as a menacing producer, while Lee Pace, famed for Guardians of the Galaxy, will portray one of the film’s ruthless hunters. This project marks a reunion for both the director and lead actor, as Glen Powell joins his Twisters co-star, Katy O’Brian, and Edgar Wright also reunites with Michael Cera for the first time since Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

The rest of The Running Man‘s cast includes:

4 Exploring the Plot of ‘The Running Man’

Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man promises to be a more faithful representation of Stephen King’s original novel, as opposed to merely rehashing the 1987 film. The original film, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is known for its high-octane action and over-the-top sequences, showcasing the comedic yet thrilling style that “The Governator” is famous for. In contrast, King’s novel presents a much darker and more gripping dystopian narrative that aligns with the author’s renowned storytelling prowess. Below is the official synopsis for Stephen King’s gripping tale:

It is 2025, and reality television has evolved to such an extent that participants are willing to risk their lives for the chance to win immense wealth. Ben Richards finds himself in desperate circumstances, needing funds to secure medical treatment for his ailing daughter. His only option is to enter the game show known as The Running Man, where his goal will be to evade law enforcement and specialized hunters for an entire month. The staggering reward for survival? A staggering billion dollars. However, the twist is that the entire world is watching and will be incentivized to turn him in for a reward.

3 Discover the Creative Team Behind ‘The Running Man’

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The upcoming The Running Man will be directed, co-written, and produced by Edgar Wright, a filmmaker renowned for his exceptional storytelling and innovative cinematic techniques. Wright gained significant acclaim through the “Cornetto Trilogy,” featuring films like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End alongside Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. His impressive filmography also includes hits like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho. The screenplay for The Running Man will be co-written by Wright and his frequent collaborator Michael Bacall, known for his work on Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

2 Filming Timeline: When Did ‘The Running Man’ Begin Production?