Hollywood’s fascination with the works of Stephen King continues, with over 90 feature-length films adapted from his novels and short stories. Among these adaptations is The Running Man, a dystopian thriller that has seen two cinematic interpretations: a 1987 action vehicle starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and a 2025 remake led by Glen Powell. While the latter initially stumbled at the box office, it’s now experiencing a surge in popularity as a streaming sensation.
Directed by Edgar Wright, known for his visually dynamic and often comedic approach to filmmaking (Baby Driver, Hot Fuzz), the 2025 The Running Man grossed $68 million against a $110 million production budget. Despite generally positive reviews and appeal to genre fans, it failed to resonate with a broad theatrical audience. However, since its arrival on Paramount+ on , the film has quickly climbed the streaming charts, currently holding the number one spot in the United States according to Flix Patrol.
What is The Running Man about?
Based on the 1982 novel (written under King’s pseudonym, Richard Bachman), The Running Man depicts a bleak future where a powerful media corporation, The Network, controls the United States. The most popular program on The Network is a brutal reality show of the same name. Contestants, dubbed “runners,” are given a head start and must evade capture by “hunters” – professional assassins – for 30 days to win a substantial cash prize, ultimately reaching $1 billion.
Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, a desperate man driven to participate in The Running Man to secure medical care for his ailing daughter. After surviving the initial day, Richards discovers The Network intends to ensure his demise on live television, leading to a desperate fight for survival against overwhelming odds. The cast also includes Jayme Lawson, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.
The Running Man’s strengths do not outweigh its weaknesses
The 1987 adaptation of The Running Man leaned heavily into the action genre, capitalizing on Schwarzenegger’s star power and delivering a straightforward, albeit somewhat campy, action experience. It prioritized spectacle over a faithful adaptation of King’s darker themes. The 2025 version, while closer in spirit to the source material, struggled to find the right tonal balance.
Wright’s signature style – characterized by rapid editing, witty dialogue, and genre blending – is evident in moments of the film, particularly a standout sequence involving Michael Cera’s character. However, this stylistic approach clashes with the novel’s grim and cynical portrayal of a dystopian society grappling with economic inequality, authoritarian control, and the manipulative power of media. The novel is a stark commentary on societal ills, and the 2025 film’s attempts at humor and stylistic flourishes dilute that message.
The film’s ending, which deviates from the novel’s bleak conclusion, further contributes to this tonal disconnect. Some critics have questioned Powell’s casting, suggesting he lacks the raw, aggressive energy required to convincingly portray Ben Richards, a character fueled by desperation and anger. While Powell excels in charming and charismatic roles (as seen in Hit Man and Top Gun: Maverick), this particular role demands a different kind of intensity.
External factors also played a role in the film’s box office performance. The $110 million production budget, coupled with marketing costs, created significant financial pressure. The film’s release in November 2025 placed it in direct competition with several other high-profile releases, including Predator: Badlands and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.
Streaming success could lead to a reexamination of The Running Man
The current streaming success of The Running Man offers an opportunity for a reassessment of the film. Movies often find a second life and a wider audience through streaming platforms, allowing viewers to discover them outside the constraints of the theatrical release window. There are precedents for films initially deemed box office failures gaining critical acclaim and a dedicated following after the fact, such as Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and, more recently, Paramount’s own Babylon.
Despite its flaws, The Running Man possesses compelling elements: a thought-provoking premise, a talented cast, and moments of genuine directorial flair. The film’s popularity on Paramount+ suggests that audiences are receptive to its dystopian vision and action-packed narrative. Whether it will achieve the same cult status as the 1987 version remains to be seen, but its streaming success indicates a potential for a renewed appreciation of Wright’s adaptation.
For those seeking additional content on Paramount+, options include series like Tulsa King and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, as well as shows from Taylor Sheridan, such as Mayor of Kingstown and 1923.
