Paramount Pictures has set the stage for a thrilling adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel, The Running Man, with Glen Powell and Katy O’Brian leading the cast. Directed by Edgar Wright, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall, the film is scheduled for release on 21 November 2025.
The novel, originally published in 1982 under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, presents a bleak vision of America in 2025 controlled by a totalitarian regime that entertains the masses with deadly game shows. Among these, ‘The Running Man’ is notorious for its lethal format where contestants are hunted for sport, earning money the longer they survive.
Glen Powell of Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Twisters (2024) fame will portray a desperate contestant entering the game to secure funds for his sick daughter’s treatment, challenging the rigged system from within. Katy O’Brian, recognised for her role in Love Lies Bleeding (2024), will join Powell in this high-stakes chase, marking another significant step in her rapidly ascending career. O’Brian’s casting in The Running Man adds to her growing portfolio, which also includes a recent part in the latest Mission: Impossible instalment.
The 1987 film adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger took significant liberties with King’s original narrative, but Wright’s version promises a closer alignment with the book’s themes and setting. With filming set to commence soon in London, this project joins the expanding universe of King adaptations that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Edgar Wright, known for his dynamic storytelling and visual style in films like Baby Driver (2017), aims to bring a fresh perspective to this adaptation. His involvement promises a blend of suspense, societal critique, and action, elements that are signature to King’s work.
Fans of the genre can anticipate a film that not only thrills but also reflects on the darker aspects of society’s fascination with spectacle and survival. Paramount’s commitment to reviving this story with a talented cast and crew sets high expectations for a compelling addition to the dystopian sci-fi genre.
The Running Man will dash into cinemas on 21 November 2025.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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