Edgar Wright’s The Running Man 2025 Aims for Faithful Stephen King Adaptation

Director Edgar Wright has revealed new details about his upcoming film, The Running Man. The movie is a fresh adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel. It stars Glen Powell and is set for release on November 14, 2025.

Wright confirmed the project will be more faithful to the source material than the famous 1987 movie. He also promised a few nods to the original film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Stephen King Personally Approved the New Script

Wright shared that getting Stephen King’s approval was a nerve-wracking process. He described King as “the most famous English teacher in history.” The author ultimately loved the final screenplay.

In an email, King noted the adaptation was faithful enough to please book fans. This gave Wright the confidence to move forward with his vision. The director emphasized this is not a direct remake of the 1980s film.

Glen Powell Embodies a Grittier Ben Richards

Glen Powell plays the protagonist, Ben Richards. Powell described his character as the “ultimate underdog.” He is a normal man fighting an oppressive system to provide for his family.

Wright specifically asked Powell to tap into a “bad mood” side of his personality. This aligns with the book’s portrayal of a frustrated and desperate man. Powell’s casting was personally approved by King after he watched the actor in *Hitman*.

A Massive Production Spanning the Globe

The film’s production was highly ambitious, spanning 168 different sets and locations. Shooting occurred in three countries, including Bulgaria and Scotland. Wright compared the complex logistics to being on the game show itself.

A key difference from the 1987 film is that the deadly game takes place out in the world. It is not confined to a single arena. This creates a global-scale game of hide and seek.

The Running Man 2025 adaptation brings Stephen King’s original dystopian vision to the big screen with a modern, reality-television influenced twist. This long-awaited faithful interpretation is poised to thrill both book fans and new audiences.

Thought you’d like to know

How is this different from the 1987 Schwarzenegger movie?

This version is a direct adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. It features a more vulnerable protagonist and sets the game across a sprawling landscape, not just an arena.

Who else is in the cast besides Glen Powell?

The film also stars Lee Pace as the lead Hunter, Michael Cera, and Colman Domingo. Domingo plays a charismatic game show host who easily wins over crowds.

Is this film connected to Stephen King’s other books?

While not a direct sequel, the film includes several Easter eggs for dedicated King fans. Look for specific brand names and a clever cameo on a $100 bill.

What is the tone of this new adaptation?

Wright describes it as a mix between the high stakes of UFC and the spectacle of American Idol. It contrasts a bright, artificial TV studio with the gritty, life-or-death reality for the runner.

Why doesn’t the movie specify what year it’s set in?

The filmmakers avoided naming a year to prevent dating the technology. They wanted to present a believable “different tomorrow” rather than a specific, and potentially inaccurate, future.