The Running Man: New Film Adaptation Starring Glen Powell, What to Know?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The Running Man will soon return to the big screen as the second adaptation of Stephen King's dystopian novel, written in 1982.

After the 1987 version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this latest adaptation promises a more immersive experience and fidelity to the source material.

Directed by Edgar Wright, the film stars popular actor Glen Powell as the lead role, Ben Richards.

Paramount Pictures has scheduled the film for a US release on November 14, 2025.

Here's what to know about the upcoming movie.

Play the game or the game plays you. Watch the New Trailer for The Running Man – Only in theatres November 14. pic.twitter.com/de4QNOExfw

— The Running Man Movie (@RunningManMovie) October 13, 2025

This 2025 adaptation of The Running Man specifically strives to be closer to the essence of Stephen King's original novel.

Unlike its previous movie, director Edgar Wright describes this version as a dangerous and intense "road movie."

Ben Richards, the main character, will be in the real world, moving through various environments and interacting with different people in his quest to survive for 30 days.

Furthermore, this adaptation will also integrate elements of surveillance and modern digital culture.

Citizens can record and report the "Runners," creating an ever-present threat and adding another layer of suspense to the story.

Set in a near-future society, The Running Man is a popular television show.

It is a deadly competition in which contestants, known as "Runners," must survive for 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins.

Their every move is broadcast live to a bloodthirsty public, with the cash prize growing larger by the day.

Ben Richards, played by Glen Powell, is a desperate, hard-working father.

He is forced to enter the game to pay for his sick daughter's medical treatment, after being persuaded by the show's charismatic but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin).

However, Ben's defiance and instincts turn him into a fan favorite and a threat to the system.

Before officially joining the film adaptation of Stephen King's novel "The Running Man" by Edgar Wright, Glen Powell had to get approval directly from the legendary author.

Powell revealed at New York Comic Con (via People) that Wright offered him the lead role of Ben Richards on the condition that King give his blessing.

“Edgar offered me this movie, and I was like, ‘Yes.’ I’m like, ‘Let’s go…’ And then, like, later that night [Edgar says], ‘By the way, like, you have to be approved by Stephen King. He’s gonna watch ‘Hit Man’ tonight,” Powell said.

“And so I had to wait overnight for Stephen King to watch ‘Hit Man’ and hope that I still had the role in the morning. It’s terrible,” he continued.

Luckily, King “loved” “Hit Man,” Powell’s 2023 romantic crime comedy directed by Richard Linklater, and agreed that Powell could take on the Ben Richards role.

The Running Man is bolstered by famous casts, such as Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, Josh Brolin as manipulative producer Dan Killian, and Colman Domingo as Bobby Thompson, the host of "The Running Man."

Other supporting actors include Lee Pace as deadly hunter Evan McCone, Jayme Lawson as Ben's wife, Sheila Richards, Michael Cera as rebellious Elton Parrakis, and Emilia Jones as Amelia Williams.

William H. Macy also stars in the film, adding to the already extensive cast.

Stephen King himself has been very positive about the new adaptation, describing it as “fantastic” and “a DIE HARD for our times.”