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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Debuts to Praise for Action and Questions Over Its King-Approved Ending

Early reviews highlight strong action with reservations about pacing and political edge.

Overview

  • The film opened in theaters on Nov. 14 with Glen Powell starring in a new take on Stephen King’s 1982 novel.
  • This adaptation hews closer to the book than the 1987 Schwarzenegger movie, restoring key story beats and tone.
  • Wright says he reworked the novel’s bleak finale for today’s audience, a change Stephen King has publicly endorsed.
  • Critics commend Wright’s set pieces and performances from Powell, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo and Michael Cera, while questioning pacing, tonal consistency and the sharpness of its social critique.
  • Viewers are noting playful nods to the 1987 film, including Schwarzenegger’s face on the future currency seen on screen.