Stephen King, a titan in the realm of horror literature, films, and TV adaptations, has stirred up controversy with his latest movie adaptation featuring Glen Powell. The film has divided opinion among critics and audiences alike. Now, the much-discussed The Running Man is set to hit streaming platforms, with its release date recently announced.
Paramount+ has announced that The Running Man, based on Stephen King’s novel, will be available for streaming starting January 13. This marks the novel’s second cinematic rendition, the first being the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which received mixed reviews for its portrayal of protagonist Ben Richards. In this new adaptation, Glen Powell revitalizes the role, with Edgar Wright, acclaimed director of Last Night in Soho and Baby Driver, at the helm.
The Running Man tells the story of Ben Richards, a man struggling to secure a stable income after multiple job failures. The setting is a dystopian future ruled by a totalitarian media conglomerate. Driven by the need to secure medical treatment and medication for his daughter, Richards participates in a perilous and popular television show called The Running Man. In this deadly game, he must evade assassins in a country-wide manhunt, with the goal of winning a billion-dollar prize.
The film boasts an impressive cast including William H. Macy (Shameless), Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies), Michael Cera (Superbad), Emilia Jones (CODA), Daniel Ezra (All American), Jayme Lawson (Sinners), Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Josh Brolin (Avengers and Weapons).
Despite the remarkable cast, The Running Man received a lukewarm reception at the box office, grossing approximately $69 million worldwide against its $110 million budget. Surprisingly, it did not meet financial expectations. However, upon its release on video-on-demand, the movie topped streaming charts and became one of the most purchased films on various platforms, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of 63%, slightly higher than its predecessor’s 59%.
Glen Powell, renowned for his roles in Anyone But You, Twisters, Hit Man, and Top Gun: Maverick, is recognized as a versatile action star. He has several exciting projects in the pipeline, including the second season of Chad Powers, as well as How to Make a Killing, Ghost Writer, The Natural Order, and upcoming projects with notable filmmakers like Judd Apatow and Ron Howard.
For those eager to catch this latest adaptation, The Running Man will be available on Paramount+ from January 13 to all subscribers of the service.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
