Overview
- Glen Powell is set to portray Ben Richards in the upcoming remake of The Running Man, having consulted Tom Cruise for insights on running techniques.
- Directed by Edgar Wright, the new adaptation promises to stay true to Stephen King’s original vision, reflecting contemporary societal themes, particularly in relation to social media.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, the original star of The Running Man, has expressed his full support for this new version.
The Running Man will make its much-anticipated return, with Glen Powell stepping into the shoes of Ben Richards. Recently, Powell disclosed insights from Tom Cruise on preparing for the physically demanding role.
Originally released in 1987, The Running Man was adapted from Stephen King’s 1982 novel. The film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, who played Ben Richards, a man coerced into competing in a brutal game show where contestants are hunted live on television. The remake, under the direction of Edgar Wright—known for films like Baby Driver and Shaun of the Dead—aims to offer a closer interpretation of the source material than its predecessor.
Upon landing the lead role, Powell reached out to Tom Cruise, a former collaborator from Top Gun: Maverick. He values Cruise’s candid approach to the craft of acting and sought advice on running techniques. According to Powell, Cruise advised him to capture himself on camera while running, humorously noting, ‘You don’t look as cool as you think you do,’ a process Powell embraced during his preparations at CinemaCon. Additionally, he consulted professional running coaches, who affirmed that Cruise is widely regarded as the expert on screen running.
Glen Powell’s Choice of Mentor
Tom Cruise: A Master of Action
As part of a dystopian thriller set in a future America, it’s clear that Powell has a lot of running in his future. He jokingly remarked that while he lacks Cruise’s insurance plan and isn’t trying to emulate the Jack Reacher actor, he has gleaned valuable lessons from Cruise about “effective action filmmaking.”Furthermore, Powell revealed that they received Arnold Schwarzenegger’s encouragement for the project. Thanks to his friendship with Patrick Schwarzenegger, Powell was able to connect with Arnold personally. Reflecting on this, he stated, “Arnold gave us his full blessing,”as reported by People.
Enthusiasm among fans for The Running Man remake is palpable, with many believing that the pairing of Wright and Powell is ideal for the project. Viewers anticipate a blend of intense action and emotional depth—qualities that were somewhat absent in the original film. Fans hope for a new adaptation that respects the essence of King’s narrative, distinguishing it from merely another sci-fi thriller.
The story’s exploration of themes such as manipulation, governmental oversight, and violence as a form of entertainment resonate powerfully in today’s context, especially with the rise of social media and dystopian narratives. The Running Man finds itself aligned with other successful franchises like The Hunger Games and Squid Game, which have captivated global audiences. With Wright’s unique direction, the upcoming film is expected to expertly balance visual style and dark humor, presenting a narrative sharply relevant to the issues of violence for entertainment that pervade contemporary society.
The theatrical release date for The Running Man is set for November 7, 2025.
Source: Deadline