The Running Man Review: Stephen King’s New Sci-Fi Remake Officially Cements Glen Powell as Hollywood’s Biggest Star

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Edgar Wright seems ideally suited to bring Stephen King’s lesser-known work to the screen, as he’s consistently delivered strong films within various genres this century. While Wright is known for his comedic style – something not always present in King’s writing – this particular story is a perfect fit. The Running Man, written by King in 1982, is a surprisingly satirical and socially conscious work, venturing far from typical horror. Though it’s been adapted once before, this new film offers a thrilling and fresh take on the story.

Starring the popular actor Glen Powell, The Running Man is poised to attract a large audience this holiday season in 2025. Edgar Wright’s latest film masterfully blends exciting action with thought-provoking themes. It’s a fun, entertaining movie that doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t, and it will likely spark conversations about how its futuristic world reflects our own society. Viewers will easily connect with the film’s energetic style, which has become a trademark of Edgar Wright’s work over the past twenty years.

The Running Man Balances Thrills With A Haunting Reflection Of Real-Life Social Constructs

Fans of both the original book and the 1987 film with Arnold Schwarzenegger likely won’t be surprised, but The Running Man offers a surprisingly relevant commentary on today’s society and its systems. Director Edgar Wright notes that the story feels just as powerful now as it did when Stephen King first created the character of Ben Richards in the 1980s. Some themes are timeless, and this gives certain works a lasting impact. In fact, the media and large corporations seem even more concerning now than they were forty years ago, and Wright’s film highlights this perfectly. This dystopian sci-fi story depicts a world where propaganda, media control, and outdated forms of entertainment shape public opinion and create a huge gap between social classes.

One of the film’s strongest points is its unsettling relevance to real-world issues. Though not as over-the-top as The Running Man, it cleverly comments on the power of the media and how it shapes public opinion. The film also explores how government and corporations affect everyday American life, and how widespread frustration can push people towards desperate measures, even rebellion. These deeper themes add complexity without sacrificing the fun of watching the protagonist, Ben Richards, fight against the system.

Edgar Wright skillfully blends action, drama, and comedy throughout the film. He’s known for this, effectively turning what could be a dark, dystopian thriller into a satire that uses humor to soften its serious themes. The Running Man is ultimately a story about one man, Ben Richards, and his desperate fight to save his family from poverty and survive a brutal, old-fashioned game show. While the film’s emotional core sometimes gets overshadowed by the fast pace, audiences connect with Richards’ relatable struggle. The film follows Richards, an angry working-class man, who is forced to compete in the country’s most popular game show with the hope of winning enough money to change his and his family’s lives forever.

While “The Running Man” is a thrilling chase film about contestants trying to survive thirty days while being hunted by skilled killers for a large cash prize, it’s also a story with surprising depth. Ben Richards’ character highlights the unfair way society views and treats those living in poverty, showing them as equally deserving of compassion and recognizing their exploitation. Edgar Wright skillfully balances the intense action and humor with moments that make you think. This combination gives the film a unique and engaging energy that’s sure to entertain viewers.

Glen Powell Is An Absolute Powerhouse Presence Leading The Running Man

Before The Running Man, some viewers weren’t fully convinced Glen Powell had reached true stardom, despite his charming performances in rom-coms, action films, and heist movies. However, The Running Man solidifies his status as a major Hollywood star. While many already believed in Powell’s potential, his leading role in this film proves he’s now one of the biggest stars working today.

The film boasts a talented cast, including established stars like Josh Brolin, who plays a compelling character opposite Glen Powell. Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, Katy O’Brian, Michael Cera, and William H. Macy also deliver strong performances. However, Glen Powell truly shines as Ben Richards, bringing both fiery intensity and surprising heart to the role. He dominates every scene he’s in, and his captivating performance suggests he’s destined for even greater success.

Powell possesses the captivating screen presence that studios seek when building films around a particular actor, and he’s finally reached that level of recognition in Hollywood. Richards, the character he plays, is likable, charming, and funny, evolving into a true hero throughout the story – even when the film relies on simple gags or slower moments. There’s a real magnetism to his performance that ultimately drives the movie forward. Powell isn’t trying to copy Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the character; he creates his own unique version of Ben Richards. However, like Schwarzenegger, he successfully draws the audience into the character’s world and makes us care about what happens.

The Running Man is a fast-paced and exciting film, similar in style to other movies directed by Edgar Wright, such as Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. However, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of brilliance as some of his other work. What really sets this film apart is Glen Powell’s star power – he truly carries the story. Audiences who have been enjoying his recent performances will definitely appreciate that. The acting isn’t deeply emotional, but everyone involved knows how to deliver an entertaining performance, especially Powell.

The Running Man Mostly Sticks the Landing As It Suffers From A Few Unexpected Flaws

I was really excited for the new take on The Running Man, hoping it would finally be a truly faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s book. But honestly, it feels more like a modern update of the 1987 film, which was a bit of a surprise, since Edgar Wright usually goes above and beyond. It’s not that the 2025 version is bad – it’s just that it focuses on different parts of the book than the original movie did, and actually left out some of the plot twists from the third act that I found really compelling.

It’s not entirely unexpected that the 2025 version of The Running Man improves on the 1987 film, especially given its satirical nature. This new thriller strikes a better balance of tones overall. However, the movie does stumble a bit towards the end, with some pacing issues and jokes that don’t quite hit the mark. Despite this, the film stays true to its themes and delivers a moving story centered on Ben Richards. With a strong performance from Powell and visually stunning scenes, The Running Man is still an enjoyable experience.

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2025-11-11 22:07