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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Draws Divided Reviews as Theatrical Run Expands

A cautious box-office start for the $110 million release accompanies praise for craft alongside doubts about its satirical bite.

Overview

  • The film is now playing in theaters following its UK debut on Nov. 12 and U.S. rollout on Nov. 14.
  • Stephen King has publicly endorsed Wright’s adaptation and its revised conclusion, saying it honors the book while keeping readers guessing.
  • Critics are split, with plaudits for large-scale action and performances from Glen Powell, Lee Pace, Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo countered by critiques of tonal unevenness and softened commentary.
  • Coverage highlights contemporary themes of media manipulation and AI deepfakes, with Lee Pace discussing his masked hunter’s calculated persona and Colman Domingo citing trash-TV hosts as inspiration for his emcee.
  • Early domestic grosses are reported around $6.4 million (Box Office Mojo, via trade reporting), with analysts watching results closely against the reported $110 million budget and premium-format push.