Stephen King’s 1982 The Running Man has been adapted once again, this time with Edgar Wright directing and Glen Powell (Twisters) in the starring role. The official trailer confirms the latest adaptation’s tone and has Powell fighting for his life against overwhelming odds.
The first film adaptation opened in theaters in November 1987, had Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead, and was directed by Starsky & Hutch star Paul Michael Glaser. William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, and Michael Cera join Powell in the 2025 adaptation, along with Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.
“In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public, and each day bringing a greater cash reward,” reads Paramount Pictures’ synopsis. “Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.”
Director Edgar Wright co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall, based on King’s novel. Wright, Simon Kinberg, and Nira Park produce, with George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, Audrey Chon, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, and Andrew Lary serving as executive producers.
Paramount Pictures will release The Running Man in theaters, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, IMAX, and premium large format on November 14, 2025.
