Glen Powell Stars in Edgar Wright’s High-Octane The Running Man Remake – First Trailer Revealed
Hollywood’s rising star Glen Powell takes on his most physically demanding role yet in the reimagined The Running Man, based on Stephen King’s 1982 dystopian thriller. The first trailer for the Edgar Wright-directed film, hitting theaters November 7, introduces Powell as Ben Richards – a role famously played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 cult classic.
A Deadly Game for a Desperate Father
Set in a near-future society where violence is prime-time entertainment, the film follows blue-collar worker Ben Richards (Powell) as he’s coerced into joining the nation’s most brutal game show. With his daughter’s life at stake, Ben must survive 30 days as a “Runner” while being hunted by professional assassins – all broadcast live to a bloodthirsty public.
Josh Brolin co-stars as the show’s ruthless producer, Dan Killian, who manipulates Ben into becoming both the competition’s unlikely hero and its greatest threat. As Ben’s defiance sparks a revolution, the game’s stakes – and the government’s desperation to silence him – escalate violently.
A Fresh Take with Wright’s Signature Style
Director Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) brings his trademark kinetic energy to the remake, co-writing the script with longtime collaborator Michael Bacall. Early footage promises:
- High-speed chases through neon-lit dystopian streets
- Brutal hand-to-hand combat against the show’s “Hunters”
- Sharp social commentary on media sensationalism and class struggle
Why This Remake Stands Out
While the Schwarzenegger original leaned into 80s action camp, this version appears closer to King’s darker source material, with Powell’s everyman charisma anchoring the chaos. The film also modernizes the novel’s themes, reflecting today’s obsession with reality TV and viral violence.
The Running Man sprints into theaters November 7. Will Ben Richards outrun the system – or become its most famous casualty?