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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Opens to Mixed Reviews

Early reviews highlight standout craft, Glen Powell’s charisma, tonal stumbles, plus a King‑approved change to the ending.

Overview

  • The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and led by Glen Powell, opened in U.S. theaters on November 14, 2025.
  • Critics praise Wright’s world‑building, propulsive set pieces and polished production design, with Powell earning strong notices.
  • Many reviews fault an uneven back half, shifts in tone and a softened finale that departs from Stephen King’s novel.
  • Wright aligns the film more closely with King’s 1982 book than the 1987 Schwarzenegger movie, and he intentionally avoids dating the dystopia.
  • Paramount has not announced streaming dates, though industry projections suggest digital purchase in mid‑December and a possible Paramount+ debut around mid‑January.