The hunt begins. Again.

Directed by Edgar Wright, The Running Man is a reboot of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner. Set in a near-future, this is a world dominated by the top-rated show on television called The Running Man. Developed by the ruthless producer Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), this reality series allows contestants the chance to earn ridiculous sums of cash, provided they can survive for thirty days while in the crosshairs of professional assassins. With his young daughter’s health declining, Ben Richards (Glen Powell) has no choice but to sign up for the series in one last shot at saving his family. As Ben fights for his life, his survival instincts turn him into an unexpected fan favourite, building momentum amongst a city that wants him to win and, potentially, take down Killian and his corporate goons.

Josh Brolin stars in Paramount Pictures’ “THE RUNNING MAN.”

In a lot of ways, Running Man is the perfect film to remake. Although it’s considered to be one of Ah-nold’s better roles, it’s not nearly as iconic as movies like Terminator or Predator. At the same time, it’s not a title that’s been done to death with follow-up sequels and other remakes.

Simply put, Running Man is ready to run again.

And thankfully, Wright’s The Running Man has all the tools necessary for a great popcorn blockbuster. Led by a charismatic star, the film is big, bombastic fun but still believes that it has something to say. For fans of the original, the reimagining has enough callbacks to keep them happy. Yet, at the same time, the film charts its own course for newcomers, feeling strangely current in the bizarre world that is 2025. (It’s worth noting that this vision claims to be closer to Stephen King’s original book than Schwarzenegger’s film.)

Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures’ “THE RUNNING MAN.”

Although Wright isn’t necessarily known for his action, he has dabbled in the genre before. With films like The World’s End, Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs the World, he has shown the ability to co-ordinate elaborate scenes of chaos onscreen. In Running Man, he does an excellent job bringing the fire and fury down on Ben Richards and those around him, using his personal style keep the action moving. (For example, without giving spoilers, the scene in the trunk of the car is blissfully stressful.)

What’s more, as a leading man, it’s hard to argue the appeal of Powell. He’s charming, attractive and feels like a throwback movie star. In Running Man, he puts all those skills to good use. He’s funny in one minute and brutal the next. He has great presence onscreen, showcasing the edge necessary to attack the anarchy around him. Even so, it’s really the supporting cast that bring the film to life. Richards may be the proverbial ‘running man’ but without solid work from Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo and an unhinged Michael Cera, the film wouldn’t have the same pop that it displays.

Colman Domingo stars in Paramount Pictures’ “THE RUNNING MAN.”

But what’s most intriguing about this reimagining of Running Man is that it has more on its mind than explosions and executions. Here, Wright wants to talk about our insatiable addiction to screens and the power that’s wielded by those who own them. In Killian, Brolin creates a villain that understands what it means to control the narrative. He recognizes that his hit series has power, not only because of the audience’s love of violence but rather, it’s ability to adapt truth to his needs. In this world, Killian creates the heroes and villains. He decides what’s right and wrong and spins those stories to the millions of people who watch rabidly.

In essence, Killian knows that the attention of the people translates into control—and he refuses to give up control.

Having said this though, Running Man is far from perfect. Veering between comedy and brooding sci-fi, the film doesn’t always know which tone to stay within. As a result, it sometimes struggles to land some of its social commentary. At the same time, Powell also dials his inner rage up to 11 almost too often, making some of his outbursts less believable than others.

Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures’ “THE RUNNING MAN.”

However, these are relatively minor complaints. In Running Man, Wright has effectively revived a film that is considered by many to be a Schwarzenegger classic without making the audience yearn for the original. In short, Wright’s Running Man may be the same… but it’s also different enough to stand on its own two legs.

The Running Man is available in theatres on Friday, November 14th, 2025.

Photos courtesy of The TARO Group and Paramount Pictures.