“The Running Man” (2025) directed by Edgar Wright, starring Glen Powell / Z-View

The Running Man (2025)

Director: Edgar Wright

Screenplay: Michael Bacal, Edgar Wright based on THE RUNNING MAN by Stephen King

Stars: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Alyssa Benn, David Zayas, Greg Townley, Karl Glusman, Joey Ansah, James Frecheville, Lee Pace, Sean Hayes, Chris Rogers, Debi Mazar and Jayme Lawson.

Tagline: Survive 30 days while the world hunts you down.

The Plot…

In a dystopian future, most of the population lives in poverty.  Those lucky enough to have jobs barely get by.  The masses spend their days glued to the television watching game shows where contestants can win large sums of money.  The most popular is The Running Man hosted by Bobby Thompson.  Contestants actually risk their lives to play.  They are called runners, and are given $1,000 as well as a 12 hour head start.  Then, if they can survive 30 days, they will win one billion dollars.  Life changing money.  But there is a risk.  In addition to the show’s hunters, any one in the country can kill a runner.  If a citizen kills the runner, they win a small cash prize.

When Ben Richards is unable to afford needed medicine for his daughter, he decides to try out for a television show.  He hopes to win enough cash to pay for his daughter’s meds.  Richards is shocked when he is picked to appear on The Running Man.  He doesn’t want to die, but if he could somehow win, his family would be set forever.

Let the game begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the original The Running Man, appears on money used in the movie.

Stephen King’s novel, written in 1982, is a futuristic tale set in 2025, the same year as the film’s release.

The film starts out well enough, but by it’s very nature is so over the top that Geln Powell’s character, despite finding himself in tough situations, never really feels in danger.

The Running Man (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars.