Get ready to have your mind blown: Edgar Wright’s upcoming The Running Man is not a remake of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ’80s action classic—and that’s a good thing. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wright himself insists his film isn’t a rehash of the 1987 version but a fresh, faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel. So, what’s the difference? Let’s dive in.
One of the most anticipated releases of the fall, The Running Man follows Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell), a desperate father who enters a deadly reality TV contest to save his sick daughter. The prize? A cool $1 billion. The catch? He must survive 30 days while being hunted by the entire world. Think about it: evading capture when your face is plastered on every screen? Talk about a nightmare. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just a test of Richards’ survival skills—it’s also Powell’s biggest challenge yet as an action star.
Now, here’s the twist: Wright’s film isn’t the first adaptation of King’s novel. The 1987 version, starring Schwarzenegger, took a more action-heavy approach, straying from the book’s satirical roots. King himself wasn’t a fan. Wright, however, aims to bring King’s vision to life, and according to the director, his script (co-written with Michael Bacall) has the author’s stamp of approval. So, is it a remake? Wright says no—and here’s why.
The Remake vs. Adaptation Debate: It’s a blurry line, but the key lies in the source material. Take Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, for example. Often called a remake of the 2003 anime, it’s actually a new adaptation of the completed manga, not a redo of the earlier series. Similarly, Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein isn’t a remake of the 1931 classic but a fresh take on Mary Shelley’s novel—though it borrows iconic elements like the lightning scene. Then there’s Total Recall: the 2012 version feels more like a remake of the 1990 film than a new adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s story. Confusing, right?
Wright’s point is clear: his The Running Man isn’t redoing the Schwarzenegger film—it’s revisiting King’s original story. But here’s the question: does it matter how we label it? Or is it more about whether the film does justice to the source material? Let’s spark some debate: Do you think Wright’s approach is the right way to adapt a classic? Or is there room for both remakes and fresh takes? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
Mark your calendars: The Running Man hits theaters on November 14, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a game-changer.
