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Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Opens to Tough Notices Despite Stephen King’s Praise

Critics say Wright’s faithful return favors sleek spectacle over sharper satire.

Overview

  • The film begins its theatrical rollout this week, with U.K. screenings from Nov. 12 and U.S. release on Nov. 14 after heavy studio promotion.
  • Reviews describe a polished, fast-paced action movie that softens the novel’s dystopian critique and struggles with tonal consistency.
  • Glen Powell’s turn as Ben Richards draws frequent criticism for lacking the character’s fury, even as some acknowledge his mainstream action appeal.
  • Wright’s adaptation hews closer to Stephen King’s 1982 book than the 1987 Schwarzenegger film and leans into themes of media manipulation and AI deepfakes.
  • Stephen King publicly lauded the movie and likened it to Die Hard, and Schwarzenegger granted his likeness for a currency Easter egg.