Hollywood’s latest high-speed collaboration is officially on track. Director Edgar Wright and actor Glen Powell have joined forces for Paramount Pictures’ upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel The Running Man. However, before the two could start filming, they needed one crucial approval — from King himself.
The adaptation, which reimagines King’s 1982 thriller originally written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, promises a darker and more faithful take than the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Glen Powell Needed Stephen King’s Personal Approval
During a recent New York Comic Con panel, Powell revealed that his casting in The Running Man wasn’t finalized until Stephen King himself gave the green light. Wright, best known for Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho, offered Powell the lead role of Ben Richards, but there was one important condition.
“Edgar offered me this movie, and I was like, ‘Yes, let’s go!’” Powell shared, according to People. “Then later that night Edgar says, ‘By the way, you have to be approved by Stephen King. He’s going to watch Hit Man tonight.’”
Powell described the experience as “terrible,” recalling the anxiety of waiting overnight to find out if he still had the part. Luckily for the actor, King reportedly “loved” Hit Man — and with that, Powell was officially cleared to lead the new adaptation.
Edgar Wright Also Faced the Pressure of King’s Feedback
It wasn’t just Powell who needed King’s blessing. Wright himself admitted to feeling nervous when sending the author an early draft of the screenplay, which he co-wrote with Michael Bacall.
“Stephen King read the screenplay before we started filming,” Wright said. “He’s like the most famous English teacher in history. It was nerve-wracking — like handing in homework. But he loved the script, and that was great.”
The director added that the film will serve as both a homage to King’s original novel and a nod to the 1987 film, though it will follow the book’s darker tone more closely.
A More Faithful and Gritty Adaptation
In King’s story, protagonist Ben Richards is a desperate father living in a bleak, authoritarian future. To earn money for his sick daughter’s medical treatment, he volunteers to participate in a televised death match where contestants are hunted by professional assassins.
The 1987 adaptation, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, took a more action-focused and satirical approach. Wright’s version, by contrast, aims to reflect the grim social commentary and emotional weight found in King’s original writing.
Wright has built his career on visually dynamic, character-driven storytelling, and The Running Man appears to fit that mold perfectly. His signature energy — combined with Powell’s growing star power — has positioned the film as one of 2025’s most anticipated releases.
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Glen Powell: From Hit Man to The Running Man
After standout performances in Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and Hit Man, Powell has become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. Taking on the role of Ben Richards marks another step in his transition from romantic lead to action-driven dramatic star.
Powell said that collaborating with Wright felt “like stepping into a dream project.” The actor noted that the film’s balance of emotion, intensity, and spectacle will appeal to fans of both classic sci-fi thrillers and modern action cinema.
Release Date and IMAX Upgrade
Originally set for November 7, 2025, The Running Man will now premiere on November 14, 2025. Paramount Pictures made the move to ensure access to IMAX screens, enhancing the movie’s visual scale and immersive quality.
Given Wright’s mastery of kinetic action and Powell’s commanding presence, the IMAX upgrade promises audiences a thrilling experience. The film’s mix of suspense, heart, and high-speed chase sequences will likely make it a standout in next year’s sci-fi lineup.
Quick Facts: The Running Man (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Edgar Wright |
| Writers | Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall |
| Based on | The Running Man by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman) |
| Lead Actor | Glen Powell as Ben Richards |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller |
| Release Date | November 14, 2025 |
| Studio | Paramount Pictures |
| Format | IMAX-Enhanced Theatrical Release |
A Stephen King Classic Reimagined for a New Generation
With King’s endorsement, Wright’s creative vision, and Powell’s rising star power, The Running Man remake is shaping up to be more than just another adaptation — it’s a revitalized vision of survival, humanity, and rebellion. Fans can expect a thrilling mix of tension, emotion, and spectacle that remains true to the book’s core message: how far will one man go to save his family in a world built for entertainment and destruction?
As the countdown begins to its 2025 release, The Running Man looks ready to dominate both the big screen and the cultural conversation — with Stephen King’s blessing paving the way.
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