'The Running Man' Misses Projected Preview Milestone With $1.9 Million North America Debut

'The Running Man' earns $1.9 million in North America previews as projections place its debut at up to $25 million

The Running Man has recorded $1.9 million in North America from Thursday previews, according to figures cited by Variety.

The dystopian action thriller, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, began its theatrical run on November 14. The early total places it just under the two-million-dollar mark and below several recent preview performances, including Tron: Ares, which opened with $4.8 million.

The film enters cinemas alongside Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which surpassed its preview earnings. Industry estimates project a stronger performance across the full weekend, with forecasts placing its North America opening between $20 million and $25 million.

Should those numbers be reached, it is expected to overtake Predator: Badlands, which is projected to finish its second weekend with $18 million to $20 million.

The Running Man is adapted from Stephen King’s novel and follows a previous 1987 screen version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The new adaptation features Powell in the title role.

The supporting cast includes William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Katy O’Brian, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin.

The story centres on Ben Richards, a father who enters a violent near-future game show in an attempt to secure treatment for his ill daughter.

Contestants must survive for a month while being pursued on live television. As Ben becomes popular with viewers, the risks escalate, placing him in conflict with both the Hunters and programme producer Dan Killian, played by Brolin.

While preview earnings were modest, some commentators suggest that box office momentum could build over the coming days. The Running Man is now showing in North American cinemas following its November 14 release.