For over fifty years, Stephen King’s stories have captivated audiences on screen. Now, many of his most famous works are being remade for a new generation. This trend started with Carrie, his first novel, which was a hit movie in 1976 and then remade again in 2002. It’s continuing with several upcoming projects, including a Carrie TV series for Prime Video, plus new adaptations of The Mist, Cujo, and The Dark Tower. Before those arrive, Prime Video will release a remake of an ’80s sci-fi action favorite based on a Stephen King story in 2025.
Stephen King’s 1982 novel, The Running Man, has been made into a movie twice. The original film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, came out in 1987. Now, a new version directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell as Ben Richard, premiered on Prime Video on April 17th. This updated take is set in a bleak future where a man struggling with poverty and constant media oversight enters a dangerous, government-approved TV show to afford medical care for his ill daughter. He must stay alive and avoid capture by skilled hunters for a full month to win the prize money.
The Running Man Is a Solid Remake of Stephen King’s 1987 Cult Classic
Remaking a beloved, decades-old film like The Running Man is a tough challenge, but Wright’s version did a commendable job. Despite not performing well in theaters – earning only $69 million worldwide against a $110 million budget – the remake actually received better reviews and was more popular with audiences than the original. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave it a 61% rating and viewers a 77%, compared to the original’s 59% and 61%. The film also found success as a streaming hit, quickly becoming one of the most-watched titles on Paramount+ after its release in January.
Both movie versions of The Running Man are enjoyable, but the 2025 remake is a more faithful and gritty adaptation of Stephen King’s original story. The 1987 film was a fun, over-the-top action movie set in an arena, while the remake returns to the book’s core idea of a desperate man on the run, fighting to protect his family and reveal a widespread conspiracy. This new version explores the social issues in King’s novel more thoroughly, with impressive world-building and a quick pace that will keep you engaged. The lead actor, Powell, also gives a more realistic and heartfelt performance, staying true to the character from the book.
What’s New on Prime Video?
Prime Video added a bunch of new titles in April, including the series The Running Man and several movies. Now you can stream films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, House of Gucci, Mercury Rising, The Terminator, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
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2026-04-19 00:40