Edgar Wright’s The Running Man drags the 80s action movie into the present with slick, high-tech energy. Glenn Powell is a charismatic powerhouse—a rebellious spark ready to burn it all down to expose corruption—and he’s the kind of anti-hero audiences instantly root for.
Based on Stephen King’s novel, the film follows Ben Richards, a man forced into a deadly televised competition called "The Running Man." To win, he must survive 30 days while professional assassins hunt him across a media-obsessed society, with every moment broadcast to a bloodthirsty public hungry for entertainment and cash rewards.
The film boasts a stacked supporting cast, including William H. Macy, Michael Cera, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, and Daniel Ezra.
Powell cements his status as a true leading man here. As Richards, he balances grit with compassion and once again leans into his love of on-screen disguises—something fans will recognize from Chad Powers and Hit Man. He’s clearly having a blast, and it shows.
Colman Domingo steals scenes with his flamboyant, showman bravado, while Josh Brolin—flashing a pearly grin—leans into a sharp caricature as a network executive.
Wright fuses pulse-pounding sci-fi action with sharp commentary on politics, media, and human behavior, even tossing in a sly jab at the Kardashians. The film’s world-building evokes the spirit of Paul Verhoeven classics like Total Recall and RoboCop: a corporate-controlled police state, a brutal wealth divide, and desperate citizens willing to risk everything for a shot at survival.
The Running Man hurtles forward with relentless momentum, shifting environments and escalating stakes that keep the tension high. Blink and you might miss a quick Arnold Schwarzenegger cameo—a playful nod to the earlier adaptation. And when stacked against the 1987 film, Wright’s version ultimately comes out on top.
For fans of 80s action staples like Total Recall and RoboCop, The Running Man hits every target.
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY
Stephen King
SCREENPLAY BY
Michael Bacall and Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright
DIRECTED BY
Edgar Wright
STARRING
Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Katy O’Brian with Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, Audrey Chon, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary
PRODUCED BY
Simon Kinberg, p.g.a. Nira Park, p.g.a. Edgar Wright, p.g.a.
Rated R for strong violence, some gore, and language
