Warning! Spoilers for the ending of The Running Man novel!
Edgar Wright has officially completed filming his adaptation of The Running Man. This latest rendition of the renowned dystopian novel by Stephen King, originally published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982, promises to offer a fresh take, diverging from the well-known 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. In this upcoming film, set to be released on November 7, 2025, Glen Powell takes on the role of Ben Richards, a desperate man competing in a deadly government-controlled game show to secure financial stability for his family.
Wright recently shared a celebratory behind-the-scenes photograph on Instagram featuring himself and Powell. The image showcases a board adorned with signatures from the cast and crew, alongside a new logo marking the completion of filming. Notably, a creative illustration of Powell’s character, Ben Richards, includes a speech bubble stating, “Richard Lives,” suggesting a significant departure from King’s original narrative, in which Richards meets a tragic end.
What This Means For The Running Man
A Distinct Departure From the Schwarzenegger Version
In previous discussions, Wright expressed a desire for his adaptation to closely align with King’s original storyline. Unlike the 1987 film, which diverted significantly to cater to Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life action hero persona, Wright aims to portray a narrative that resonates with the stark realities depicted in the source material. Early indications suggest that this new cinematic version could feature a different conclusion, hinting at Richards surviving the harrowing challenges he faces.
The plot revolves around Richards, who participates in a brutal game show that subjects him to relentless hunting for 30 days, all while the public watches and earns rewards for tips on his whereabouts. Although Powell’s portrayal may not match the novel’s description of Richards, it is anticipated that his performance will reflect a stronger alignment with King’s vision than previously seen in the Schwarzenegger iteration.
Our Take On The Running Man Image
An Altered Ending is Inevitable
The pivotal aspect of making The Running Man a faithful adaptation resides in the ending. In King’s narrative, Richards confronts the game show’s executive producer in a spectacular finale involving a plane crash into a skyscraper, a bold act of rebellion that culminates in a fiery explosion. However, given contemporary sensitivities around imagery reminiscent of the September 11 attacks, recreating this scene poses significant challenges for Hollywood.
The glimpses of Powell and Wright in the recently shared image seem to imply a shift in the story’s conclusion, possibly suggesting that Richards might defy the odds and survive. Alternatively, this change could symbolize broader themes of resistance, wherein the government-sanctioned show manipulates the truth about Richards’s fate. Regardless, it is apparent that the ending will not mirror King’s original narrative, which ensures that this adaptation will bring a fresh perspective to audiences.
Source: Edgar Wright/Instagram