From Arnie to Powell: A Fresh Take on Classic Dystopia
Even Arnold Schwarzenegger himself admitted his 1987 version of The Running Man was perfect remake material. Now, Glen Powell steps into the iconic role in a 2025 reboot that promises to deliver what the original only hinted at.
The original film, loosely based on Stephen King's story and set in what was then a futuristic 2017, became more memorable for Arnold's questionable yellow jumpsuit and cringe-worthy one-liners than its dystopian commentary. Who could forget the moment Arnie bisected a villain with a chainsaw before delivering the immortal line: 'Aw, he had to split'?
A Star is Born: Powell's Leading Man Moment
This smart, fast-paced 2025 reinterpretation returns to King's source material with fresh eyes. Powell plays Ben Richards, a righteous but angry everyman repeatedly fired from construction and mining jobs for standing up to authority. Driven by desperation to afford medication for his ill daughter, Richards makes a fateful decision.
He enters 'Running Man', a brutal television game show where contestants must evade capture for 30 days to win $1 billion. The catch? If any of the bloodthirsty 'Hunters' spot and catch them, they face immediate execution broadcast live to the nation.
Let's be clear: Glen Powell absolutely confirms his status as Hollywood's newest A-list leading man. Following standout performances in Twisters and Top Gun: Maverick, Powell brings undeniable charisma to the role. While his gym-honed physique and gleaming smile might not perfectly scream 'downtrodden working class', he makes you care deeply about his character's journey from the opening scenes.
Supporting Cast and Directorial Vision
The film boasts several standout supporting performances. Colman Domingo steals scenes as the game show's charismatic host, channeling Stanley Tucci's Caesar Flickerman from The Hunger Games. Meanwhile, Josh Brolin delivers a suitably slimy turn as the media mogul behind the sinister 'N' empire - a branding choice that feels suspiciously close to Netflix.
Some casting decisions prove more frustrating. The underuse of stunt expert Katy O'Brian feels like a missed opportunity, though Michael Cena makes the most of his cameo with a spectacular set piece in a booby-trapped house that director Edgar Wright himself describes as 'Home Alone meets Straw Dogs'.
Speaking of Wright, the British director behind cult classics like Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver takes his Hollywood ambitions to the next level. With a rumoured budget of $110 million, this represents his biggest and most straightforward film to date. While the storytelling occasionally feels uneven, Wright's distinctive fingerprints remain everywhere.
Audiences can expect his trademark combination of action and humour, a perfectly curated soundtrack, fan-pleasing Easter eggs (including a hilarious Kardashians spoof titled 'The Americanos'), satisfyingly large explosions, and genuine affection for the genre.
Relevant Dystopia and Unstoppable Star Power
Stephen King's original 1972 story feels more relevant than ever in our age of misinformation. The central 'faked news' concept uncannily predicted television's evolution, while the dystopian satire about an authoritarian state remains cleverly positioned to avoid alienating either side of the political spectrum.
Though the third act becomes slightly convoluted, Powell's magnetic star power carries viewers through to the finish. And for many viewers, the film will forever be remembered as 'the Glen Powell in a towel movie' thanks to one particularly memorable near-naked scene.
The Running Man arrives in UK cinemas on Friday, offering a timely dystopian thriller anchored by a star-making performance from one of Hollywood's most promising leading men.
