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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Earns R Rating as Early Reactions Praise Gritty, Book-Faithful Vision

Opening November 14, the film hews to Stephen King’s novel through grounded, in-camera action with a suspense-first focus.

Overview

  • The Motion Picture Association rated the film R for strong violence, some gore, and language.
  • Early screening reactions highlight Edgar Wright’s direction and Glen Powell’s lead performance, with praise for a closer adherence to King’s story.
  • Wright says the thriller stays tightly with Ben Richards’ perspective, emphasizing tension over stylized, fantasy-style combat.
  • The official synopsis centers on a deadly 30-day televised manhunt where contestants called Runners evade professional assassins for escalating rewards.
  • Stephen King publicly endorsed the new adaptation, adding momentum to Paramount’s final marketing push before release.