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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Opens to Mixed Early Reviews

Stephen King backs a revised finale, drawing attention to the film’s mix of homage with spectacle.

Overview

  • The re-adaptation opened in U.S. theaters on Nov. 14, with critics split on its overall impact.
  • Reviewers widely praise Wright’s kinetic set pieces, retrofuturist design and Glen Powell’s lead turn.
  • Many critiques cite tonal inconsistency and a muted satirical edge, with debate over a softened ending.
  • King read the screenplay before filming and publicly endorsed the author-approved change to the finale.
  • The film hews closer to the 1982 novel than the 1987 movie yet nods to it, including Schwarzenegger’s face on in-world currency.