The wait is over for fans of Stephen King's 'The Running Man,' as Edgar Wright's highly anticipated remake is set to hit theaters soon. During the New York Comic Con panel, Wright, along with stars Glen Powell and Lee Pace, revealed some fascinating insights into the film. Here are five must-know details about this dystopian thrill ride.
1. Wright's Vision: A Labor of Love
Edgar Wright didn't just stumble into directing 'The Running Man.' It was a passion project that he tirelessly pursued. Back in 2023, Wright tweeted about his desire to adapt the book, which caught the attention of producer Simon Kinberg. This tweet was the spark that led to the film's development. Wright shared, 'I read Stephen King's Bachman books as a teenager, and 'The Running Man' stood out. The 1987 film was loosely based on the book, and I felt there was so much more to explore.' His dedication paid off when King himself approved the screenplay, calling it a 'kismet' moment. This is a story of persistence and passion turning into reality.
2. A Book-Faithful Adaptation, Not a Remake
Here's where it gets controversial: Wright and his team are not aiming to recreate the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film. Instead, they're diving deeper into the source material. Wright explained, 'This is more faithful to the book than the 1987 movie. We pay homage to Arnold, but our focus is on King's vision.' This approach has both excited and concerned fans. What do you think? Should remakes stick closer to the original film or the book? Share your thoughts below!
3. Glen Powell's Unlikely Preparation
Glen Powell, known for his roles in 'The Expendables 3' and 'The Dark Knight Rises,' brought a unique twist to his preparation for 'The Running Man.' He revealed, 'I watched action stars like Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme pump up before takes. I stole that idea!' This habit paid off, especially during a memorable scene where Powell's character escapes in just a towel. Talk about dedication!
4. A Broader Scope, A Bigger Challenge
Wright wanted to expand the story beyond the underground arena of the 1987 film. He admitted, 'As a teenager, I criticized the original for its confined setting. Now, after filming in 170 locations, I realize those filmmakers were wise!' This expansion adds a fresh layer to the story, making it both visually stunning and logistically challenging. The film doesn't specify a year, aiming for a timeless, futuristic feel. Interestingly, the book was set in 2025, the same year as the film's release—a fun coincidence!
5. A Hidden 'Scott Pilgrim' Reunion
For Wright fans, there's a special treat: a reunion with his 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' collaborator, Michael Bacall. Bacall co-wrote the screenplay, bringing his unique blend of action and humor. While Michael Cera doesn't appear, the film's tone echoes their past collaboration. Wright said, 'It's like a mini-'Scott Pilgrim' reunion, blending genres into a unique experience.'
'The Running Man' hits theaters November 14, 2025. Are you excited? Let us know what you're most looking forward to in the comments! Whether you're a fan of the book, the original film, or just can't wait to see what Wright brings to the table, this promises to be a thrilling ride. See you at the movies!
