The upcoming reboot of The Running Man has garnered enthusiastic praise from Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to actor Glen Powell. The 78-year-old film icon, who starred in the original 1987 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, expressed excitement over the new project, highlighting its faithful representation of the author’s vision.
In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Powell reflected on Schwarzenegger’s reaction, noting, “He was so excited that the Stephen King book we put on screen – it’s really the first time Stephen’s vision has been properly adapted. He just kept saying, ‘It’s incredible.’”
Schwarzenegger Offers Insights on Stunt Work
Powell, 37, mentioned that Schwarzenegger was particularly impressed by the stunt work in the reboot. The actor, known for his roles in action films, appreciated the physical demands placed on actors in such projects. Powell recounted, “He loved it – freaked out, was so excited. But the first thing he told me was, ‘This was a very painful movie for you.’”
Discussing the challenges of performing stunts, Powell acknowledged that many viewers may not fully grasp the effort involved. “It’s a process to really sell stunts. From an outsider’s perspective, when you’re watching a movie, you’re like, ‘Okay, I’m sure they’re padded up or whatever,’ but you’re delivering and taking a lot of hits over the course of a movie,” he explained. Schwarzenegger recognized this reality, stating, “One of the hardest action movies – those are just not easy things to get right.”
Behind the Scenes of The Running Man
During their conversation, Powell also shared insights from a private screening of the original film, which he attended with Schwarzenegger and a few friends. The 1987 version faced significant production challenges, including a change in directors early in filming. Powell recalled, “It’s a really big, ambitious world, and I think they didn’t feel like they had the proper resources to really deliver.”
The reboot, directed by Edgar Wright, aims to present a fresh take on the dystopian narrative where the impoverished are hunted for sport on live television. Powell’s character, Ben Richards, must navigate the deadly game to save his sick daughter, showcasing themes of survival and resistance against a corrupt system.
Set to be released on November 14, 2025, the film also features a talented cast, including Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Katy O’Brian, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. As anticipation builds for the film, both Powell and Schwarzenegger are hopeful that the reboot will resonate with audiences and honor the legacy of the original.
With its combination of thrilling action and a compelling narrative, The Running Man reboot aims to capture the attention of a new generation while paying homage to the groundbreaking work that came before it.
