In 1987, film-going audiences were treated the cheesy machismo that was “The Running Man.” Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie saw him pitted against the forces of a government-backed game show where he had to fight to win, survive, and live. If you haven’t seen the movie, it is very much worth your time because of how over the top enjoyable it is. An updated version is on the way, from director Edgar Wright and screenwriter Michael Bacall.
Starring Glen Powell (“Twisters“) in the main contestant role and Katy O’Brien (“Love Lies Bleeding“) as another contestant, this has the potential to be very interesting. Especially if you know about the history of “The Running Man.” The property started off as a book by Stephen King, written under one of his pseudonyms, Richard Bachman, in 1982. When we say it was “adapted” into a film in 1987, it’s a VERY liberal use of the term. The film is similar in the overall concept but it’s substantially different in the execution of the major plot beats and characters.
Josh Brolin (“Dune“) has joined the cast as Damon Killian, a producer of the titular game show and works behind the cameras to facilitate the workings of the game. Killian from the original movie (played by “Family Feud” host Richard Dawson) is not just the producer but also the host. He’s the face of the show, working the crowd, dealing with the government behind the scenes and doing it with all the smarm of a 1970s game show host.
Likewise, Lee Pace (“The Fall,” “Foundation“) has also been added the roster. Sounds like he’ll be the true villain of the film- the brutal chief hunter for the network airing the game shows who is tasked by Brolin with tracking down Powell’s character.
Obviously, we’ll let you know what else we hear about this and other projects.
“The Running Man” is set for release on November 21st, 2025.
