Film news: ‘The Running Man’ remake starring Glen Powell pays homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger
Renowned director Edgar Wright is bringing a new interpretation of The Running Man to cinemas with star Glen Powell.
Based on the acclaimed work of novelist Stephen King, the new film follows a 1987 adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Alas, Wright has found a way to pay homage to the 1980s action icon, writes Film News Blitz’s Dan Lawrence.
Money man Schwarzenegger
As reported by Entertainment Tonight, Schwarzenegger, who played the role of Ben Richards in 1987’s The Running Man, has a small feature in the new adaptation.
The legendary Austrian’s face appears on the $100 bills within the new film, a tidy easter egg nod to the veteran actor.
Speaking of the decision to ET, Wright said, “I love Arnold Schwarzenegger, so we did pay homage to the great man.”
The goodwill is definitely reciprocated, with Schwarzenegger saying on CBR Presents: DRAW!, “I think that they have a good chance now with the new Running Man to make it better.
“And I hope, for their sake and for my sake, I hope that they will be successful.”
Powell talks about gruelling work in ‘The Running Man’
Powell, who starred in The Expendables 3 alongside Schwarzenegger and several other iconic 80s action heroes, explained how taking on the role of Ben Richards was a gruelling affair.
“I took a beating in this movie,” he said during New York Comic Con.
“Thank God I survived, but [it] definitely left some scars.”
Speaking on one particular set-piece, Powell recalled, “an exploding bridge jump was pretty intense.
“We kind of have like, you know, the entire movie of Die Hard in like 10 minutes in this movie,” he added.
What is ‘The Running Man’ about?
The Running Man is set in a dystopian American future where a popular game show pits contestants in the centre of a global manhunt.
Powell’s character, Richards, enters in a bid to win a monetary prize to support his young family, but finds himself in over his head.
The Running Man also stars Josh Brolin, Emilia Jones, Lee Pace, Katy O'Brian, William H. Macy, Michael Cera and Colman Domingo.
You’re Wright to be excited
The Running Man is the hotly anticipated return of a Wright-directed film in cinemas.
Wright, 51, is one of the finest exports of British media.
From creating the beloved sitcom Spaced, to directing and co-writing the ‘Cornetto Trilogy’ of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End, Wright has carved a unique visual language into cinemas.
Further works, such as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho, have cemented Wright’s status as a director to watch.
When is ‘The Running Man’ coming to cinemas?
The Running Man is coming to UK cinemas on November 14, 2025.
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