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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Draws Mixed Early Reviews on Opening Day

Early reviews hail propulsive action, with many critics citing muted satire.

Overview

  • The film opens in U.S. theaters with Edgar Wright directing and co-writing a new adaptation starring Glen Powell for Paramount.
  • Reviewers widely praise the kinetic set pieces, vivid world-building and Powell’s charismatic lead performance.
  • Critics frequently point to tonal unevenness, thinly sketched supporting characters and a finale that feels softened compared with the source novel.
  • Stephen King read the screenplay in advance and has publicly said he likes the film’s changed ending.
  • The movie nods to the 1987 Schwarzenegger version with Easter eggs and recreated moments, while foregrounding themes of surveillance, media manipulation and corporate power.