Edgar Wright is back with a vengeance in the first official trailer for The Running Man, his bold reimagining of the Stephen King dystopian novel. Scheduled to hit theatres on November 7, 2025, the film stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a man thrust into a deadly TV game show to secure funding for his sick daughter.
Unlike the 1987 version, this adaptation hews closely to King’s original story. Set in a grim near-future, the plot centres on contestants hunted for 30 days by paid assassins as millions watch. Desperate, Richards steps into the arena, becoming an unexpected symbol of resistance.
Powell brings intensity to the role, reportedly pushing himself in physically demanding stunts, including explosions and jet-engine roar scenes, a process he described as the hardest of his career. His performance earned high praise, especially with Wright and his Scott Pilgrim vs. the World collaborator Michael Bacall handling the script.
Joining Powell is a powerhouse ensemble: Josh Brolin plays ruthless producer Dan Killian, Colman Domingo hosts the deadly show, and other competitors include Katy O’Brian and Daniel Ezra. The cast is rounded out by Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Jayme Lawson, William H. Macy, and Sean Hayes.
Wright’s signature style is on full display in the trailer, seamlessly blending dark humour, kinetic action, and social satire echoing his work in Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver. Cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung, fresh off Last Night in Soho, captures the high-adrenaline sequences with sharp precision.
Powell even secured Arnold Schwarzenegger’s blessing for the role, reaching out through Schwarzenegger’s son Patrick, earning praise from the original 1987 ‘Runner’ himself.
With its high stakes, physical thrills, and biting commentary on televised violence, The Running Man promises to be one of 2025’s most provocative action hits. Fans eager for a fresh yet faithful take on King’s classic have plenty to look forward to this fall.
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