Dystopian futures often seem to arrive sooner than expected, and The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, is a chilling reminder of how close we might be to a society obsessed with screens and controlled by corporations. Based on Stephen King's novel, this new adaptation, directed by Edgar Wright, plunges us into a near-future America where the themes of class warfare and corporate power feel eerily relevant. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive in.
While the original 1987 film gets a nod with some fun Easter eggs, Wright and co-writer Michael Bacall focus on introducing us to a new protagonist. This Ben Richards, played by the charismatic Glen Powell, is a blue-collar worker who's been blacklisted after standing up for the underdog. With a sick child at home, he and his wife are desperate for money.
Wright paints a vivid picture of a near-future America where paper money makes a comeback, but technology ensures the average citizen has little privacy and even fewer chances to escape poverty. The only glimmer of hope? The omnipresent game shows, which are only slightly exaggerated versions of what we see on TV today.
Then there's The Running Man, the most brutal of these games, where contestants try to outrun 'hunters' for cash prizes. The Network, a media conglomerate, controls everything. And this is the part most people miss: The mechanisms that lead Ben into the game feel a bit contrived. It's a crucial plot point, but it's a little disappointing that it doesn't quite ring true.
Once Ben is in the game, the movie picks up pace. He must stay hidden while being one of America's most wanted men. He uses his physical skills, learned from past jobs, and his cleverness to outsmart his pursuers, often relying on the kindness of strangers. High-tech and low-tech elements combine for a thrilling experience.
The supporting cast shines, with Josh Brolin's wide smile as the unhinged super-producer and Colman Domingo's performance as a game show host. Emilia Jones and Michael Cera also deliver memorable performances. Powell makes a strong case for being a true movie star, bringing a manic glee to the screen. But here's where it gets controversial: Ben's character development feels underdeveloped. While there are hints of a real arc, there's not much room for growth while he's fighting for his life.
The world-building is relatively solid, but there are flaws. The Kardashian parody running in the background feels defanged. It's also a bit disconcerting that the game shows are referred to as 'freevee,' which was what Amazon used to call its free television app until September 2025. This could be confusing for some viewers.
The Running Man is a solid Hollywood blockbuster, offering plenty of entertainment. However, it doesn't fully showcase Wright's unique style. It also offers a more anarchic message than we're used to, but that message gets lost in the action. It's a loud, violent romp that's almost too relevant for our times.
What do you think? Does The Running Man offer a timely critique of our society, or does it fall short? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
