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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Opens to Divided Reviews, King-Approved Finale Change

Stephen King has endorsed a major finale change, a move arriving to divided early reviews.

Overview

  • The new adaptation, starring Glen Powell and directed by Edgar Wright, opened in U.S. theaters on Nov. 14.
  • Critics commend the film’s propulsive action, retro-tech style and production craft, with several highlighting Powell’s lead turn.
  • Several reviews fault tonal unevenness and limited emotional impact, with some calling its social critique dated or softened.
  • Coverage notes the movie hews closer to King’s 1982 novel than the 1987 film, while making an author-approved change to the ending.
  • Viewers will spot explicit nods to the Schwarzenegger version, including a cheeky currency Easter egg and other visual homages.