Glen Powell’s ‘The Running Man’ Opens Strong Amid Competition

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 15: Edgar Wright’s much-anticipated reimagining of The Running Man, led by Glen Powell, arrived in North American cinemas on November 14, 2025. The film reinterprets Stephen King’s dystopian novel—originally written under the Richard Bachman pseudonym—into a high-stakes, televised survival hunt that blends social commentary with frenetic action. As the weekend unfolds, the film is drawing both enthusiasm and critical hesitation.

A Revitalised Take on a Cult Classic

Set in a near-future world obsessed with entertainment at any cost, The Running Man positions its deadly competition as the ultimate reality spectacle. Contestants, known as “Runners,” must evade professional hunters for 30 days to win a life-changing cash prize.

Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, an ordinary man forced into the game to save his ailing daughter. His fight for survival extends beyond the hunters to the machinations of Dan Killian (portrayed by Josh Brolin), a cunning producer committed to pushing the show’s brutality for ratings. Wright’s reboot distances itself from the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger adaptation by staying truer to King’s darker, more socially incisive narrative, spotlighting themes of inequality, media exploitation, and ethical decay.

Box-Office Outlook: A Promising Yet Challenging Start

The film registered an estimated $1.9 million during Thursday previews, setting expectations for a $23–25 million opening weekend across the U.S. and Canada. While these numbers position it strongly within the mid-budget thriller segment, the film faces intense competition.

Now You See Me 3 and Predator: Badlands are vying for premium formats and showtimes, with some audiences noting that The Running Man is receiving comparatively fewer screenings. Early social media chatter predicts that the film could close its domestic run between $85–110 million, assuming positive week-to-week retention.

Critical Reception: A Mixed Middle Ground

Reviews are notably divided. With a 62% Tomatometer score, critics remain lukewarm. Forbes notes that this is one of Wright’s lower-rated films, especially when compared with Baby Driver, Hot Fuzz, or Shaun of the Dead. Nonetheless, many reviewers praise Wright’s relentless pacing and visual flair, with some calling the film an “endorphin-charged spectacle” that compensates for its occasionally thin moral framing.

However, other critics feel the concept struggles to resonate in today’s era of AI, digital surveillance, and deepfakes—suggesting the dystopian premise may feel more nostalgic than cutting-edge.

What Works: Strengths on Display

Glen Powell’s performance is cited as a standout, grounding the film with emotional sincerity.
Wright’s satirical lens amplifies the absurdity of a society consumed by spectacle.
The film features stylish, adrenaline-driven action, dark neon aesthetics, and an energetic soundtrack.
Schwarzenegger’s public endorsement adds a legacy boost, strengthening fan confidence.

Where It May Falter

The film’s greatest obstacle remains crowded competition. With two franchise titles dominating, screen allocation may hinder momentum.
Some reviewers argue the film’s satire lacks depth, potentially limiting long-term appeal.
A delayed streaming release on Paramount+ means box-office legs are especially critical, as digital access will not arrive for several months.

The Broader Significance

Beyond its box-office prospects, The Running Man speaks to anxieties surrounding surveillance, media manipulation, and class divides. Wright’s meticulous production—with a cast including Colman Domingo, Michael Cera, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, and Jayme Lawson—uses spectacle to interrogate society’s obsession with performance and punishment.

What Comes Next

If current projections hold, the film has a solid foundation. Word of mouth and online discourse will determine whether it sustains momentum in the coming weeks. Paramount is expected to pursue a standard digital rollout, making the film available for PVOD within two months and streaming by early 2026.

Whether it becomes a breakout hit or a cult favourite, The Running Man delivers a bold and stylish reimagining that races at full speed—despite a few hurdles.

PNN Entertainment