A brand new trailer has arrived for Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s classic dystopian thriller, The running Man, starring Glen powell. This first look offers a pulse-pounding glimpse into a near-future where a deadly reality show dominates television screens and desperate contestants become prey. Powell steps into the shoes of Ben richards, a working-class man thrust into this brutal game for the most urgent reason imaginable – to save his sick daughter’s life. As the trailer unfolds, it’s clear this new take is aiming for intense action and a darker tone, promising a thrilling ride for audiences.
The Dangerous Game: What is The Running Man?
Set in a bleak, dystopian America ravaged by economic inequality, The Running Man is the title of the world’s most popular (and most deadly) reality television show. Participants, known as “Runners,” volunteer or are forced into a high-stakes game of survival. The rules are simple: survive for 30 days while being relentlessly hunted by professional killers across the entire country. Every move is broadcast live to a bloodthirsty public, with the potential cash prize growing daily for each moment the Runner stays alive. It’s a grim spectacle designed to entertain a jaded society and reinforce the power of the oppressive system.
Ben Richards (Glen Powell) enters this nightmare not for fame or a reprieve from prison, but out of sheer desperation. He needs a massive amount of money urgently to cover medical treatment for his ailing daughter. Seduced by the charming but ruthless producer of the show, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), Richards sees the deadly game as his family’s last hope.
However, Richards proves to be an unexpectedly formidable contestant. His sharp instincts, innate defiance, and sheer grit quickly turn him into a captivating figure for the viewing public. He doesn’t just run; he fights back, becoming an unlikely fan favorite. This newfound popularity, however, only ramps up the danger, transforming him from a mere player into a significant threat to the game itself and the system it represents. He must outwit not only the skilled professional Hunters but also a nation seemingly addicted to watching his potential downfall.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Story
While many remember the 1987 film adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edgar Wright’s new version promises a different experience, reportedly aligning much closer to Stephen King’s original 1982 novel (published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman).
The core difference lies in the protagonist’s motivation and the scope of the hunt. In the 1987 film, Schwarzenegger’s Ben Richards was a framed helicopter pilot seeking an alternative to prison, and the hunt was largely confined to specific zones or a controlled arena with colorful, theatrical Hunters. The new film, following King’s book, centers on Powell’s Richards as a desperate father on a nationwide chase. The trailer hints at a sprawling pursuit across various locations, emphasizing the “road movie” aspect Wright mentioned, making it an intense, geographically expansive thriller rather than an arena-based gauntlet.
The portrayal of the show’s hierarchy also differs. The 1987 movie famously featured Richard Dawson as the dual host and producer, Damon Killian. Wright’s adaptation distinguishes these roles, with Josh Brolin as the executive producer Dan Killian and Colman Domingo stepping in as the show’s host, Bobby Thompson. This separation reflects the structure of the novel.
Star-Studded Cast and Director’s Vision
Glen Powell’s casting marks a significant moment for the rising star, placing him center stage in a major action vehicle. Powell has openly spoken about the physical demands of the role, stating he worked harder on this film than any other and sustained injuries doing stunts, indicating a commitment to action sequences. Beyond the physical, reports suggest the trailer showcases Powell’s ability to blend intensity with wit, portraying Richards with both determination and moments of dark humor, a trait he honed in films like Anyone But You. Director Edgar Wright commented on how Richards is a character designed for the audience to enthusiastically root for.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Josh Brolin brings his gravitas to the manipulative producer, Dan Killian. Colman Domingo takes on the role of Bobby Thompson, the face of the deadly show. The trailer also teases intriguing roles for other actors. Lee Pace is confirmed to play McCone, a persistent, masked Hunter figure straight out of the novel. Michael Cera appears in the trailer, assisting Richards in a seemingly unconventional way, reportedly playing Elton Parrakis from the book – an unlikely ally in a desperate fight. William H. Macy, Katy O’Brian (reportedly as a fellow Runner), Jayme Lawson (as Richards’ wife, Sheila), and David Zayas round out the talented ensemble.
Edgar Wright, known for his distinctive visual style and kinetic pacing seen in films like Baby Driver and Shaun of the Dead, directs this adaptation. Wright himself has expressed his goal to create a version more faithful to King’s source material while injecting his signature energy. The trailer suggests his approach delivers a fast-paced, action-packed narrative that feels both grounded in a plausible near-future dystopia and heightened by the stakes of the televised hunt. Wright even reportedly received a blessing of sorts from the original Ben Richards, Arnold Schwarzenegger, through his son Patrick Powell knows.
The Race Against Time Begins
The Running Man is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. In a striking coincidence, that date is also the planned release day for Predator: Badlands, another film extending a franchise famously launched by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Fans looking for a double dose of action from Schwarzenegger-adjacent properties will certainly have an opportunity.
The trailer has sparked considerable excitement, promising a visceral, intense adaptation that updates Stephen King’s chillingly prophetic vision of reality entertainment for a modern audience. With Glen Powell taking on the iconic role and Edgar Wright at the helm, the new Running Man looks poised to deliver both thrilling action and thought-provoking commentary on society’s darkest impulses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the new Running Man movie different from the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film?
The new Running Man film, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, differs significantly from the 1987 version by staying closer to Stephen King’s original novel. Key changes include Ben Richards’ motivation – saving his sick daughter instead of being a framed pilot – and the scope of the hunt, which is a nationwide chase rather than being confined to an arena. The new film also separates the roles of the show’s producer and host, played by Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo respectively, unlike the single role in the 1987 movie.
Who is in the cast of Edgar Wright’s new Running Man adaptation?
The cast of the 2025 Running Man film features Glen Powell as the protagonist, Ben Richards. Josh Brolin plays the ruthless producer Dan Killian, and Colman Domingo is the show’s host, Bobby Thompson. Other notable cast members include Michael Cera as an unexpected ally, Lee Pace as a relentless Hunter, William H. Macy, Katy O’Brian, Jayme Lawson as Richards’ wife, and David Zayas.
When does the new Running Man movie starring Glen Powell release in theaters?
Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 7, 2025. This date notably coincides with the release of Predator: Badlands, another film tied to an Arnold Schwarzenegger-led franchise.
