The Running Man opens Friday, November 14 with a modest 61% Rotten Tomatoes score. Director Edgar Wright delivers a fresh take on Stephen King’s dystopian thriller. Glen Powell leads a powerhouse cast including Josh Brolin, Emilia Jones, and William H. Macy.
Kara Brown loses Jeopardy thriller, stumped by Harper Lee clue in dramatic final
Kara Brown loses Jeopardy thriller to Harrison Whitaker, all three contestants stumped by Final question
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Release Date: November 14, 2025 in US theaters nationwide
- Rotten Tomatoes: 61% from critics, based on 70 reviews
- Box Office Projection: Opening weekend expected $17-18 million
- Director: Edgar Wright of “Shaun of the Dead” fame
- Stephen King Approval: Author approved a happier ending than the novel
What Happened: Edgar Wright’s Bold Reimagining
In a dystopian future, Ben Richards (Powell) is desperate. His daughter is dying. The only way to save her? Volunteer for “The Running Man.” It’s the world’s most-watched television show—a brutal competition where contestants are hunted for 30 days by professional assassins. Survive, and win $1 billion. Fail, and face death on live TV.
Jasleen Singh fires back at podcast critics, calls out ‘cockroaches’ in viral controversy
Aakash Singh’s wife Jasleen fires back at online drama, defends podcast past
Wright takes a markedly different approach from John McTiernan’s 1987 original with Arnold Schwarzenegger. This version stays closer to King’s 1982 novel, focusing on the human stakes. Powell’s Richards isn’t just muscle—he’s a man fighting for family.
“Glen Powell completely owns the role. Edgar Wright keeps the tension high from start to finish.”
The ensemble cast delivers chemistry and depth. Josh Brolin plays the slick producer manipulating the system. Emilia Jones brings vulnerability as a fellow contestant. Every actor serves the film’s satirical edge about media manipulation and desperation.
Why This Matters: Mixed Reviews But Strong Entertainment
The 61% Tomatometer score tells an interesting story. Critics praise Wright’s direction and the film’s slick production values. The visual style matches expectations for a Wright project. Yet the score suggests something middle-ground—entertaining but not groundbreaking.
Box office watchers are nervous. Projections show $17-18 million for opening weekend. That’s underwhelming for a $100+ million studio picture. Audiences may be comparing it to the 1987 film‘s cult status. Or they’re simply tired of remakes.
But here’s what matters for viewers: This is genuinely fun. Critics note the film balances action, dark comedy, and real emotional stakes. Powell’s everyman charm works perfectly for a man pushed to extreme limits.
Release Details & Where To Catch It
The Running Man hits Paramount Pictures theaters nationwide Friday, November 14, 2025. Tickets are available now for advance booking. Paramount+ subscription holders will eventually access it, but theatrical run is the priority for now.
| Release Date | November 14, 2025 |
| Director | Edgar Wright |
| Lead Actor | Glen Powell |
| Studio | Paramount Pictures |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 61% (70 reviews) |
| Format Available | Standard & IMAX Theaters |
The film runs at a solid 116 minutes, giving you plenty of breathless action. Paramount is positioning this as a prestige action-thriller, different from typical studio fare.
What To Watch For: The Performances & Direction
- Glen Powell’s Range: This is his most ambitious dramatic role yet.
- Edgar Wright’s Style: Fast cuts, clever transitions, and kinetic camera work throughout.
- Social Commentary: The film sharpens King’s critique of media obsession.
- Josh Brolin’s Charisma: He steals scenes as the calculating villain producer.
- Weekend Box Office Battle: Competing against other November releases for attention.
Critics specifically praise how Wright turns what could be a simple action movie into something with real satirical teeth. The production design creates a believable dystopian world. Nothing feels cheap or overwrought.
Is This as Good as the Original—Or Better?
New audiences shouldn’t worry about the 1987 Schwarzenegger version. This film stands independently. It’s not a remake trying to replicate the past—it’s a new adaptation honoring King’s novel while bringing modern sensibilities.
That said, 61% on Rotten Tomatoes sits in “enjoyable but imperfect” territory. Some critics felt the ending was anticlimactic. Others questioned whether the film fully embraced its darker satirical potential. But most agree: it’s solidly entertaining Friday-night cinema.
Will you skip it because of the middling score? That’s been the temptation for audiences lately. But critic scores don’t always reflect entertainment value. Sometimes a film that’s “fun and flawed” delivers more value than a “perfectly crafted bore.”
The real question: Do you want two hours of high-octane action with genuine emotional stakes? Then The Running Man delivers exactly that starting November 14.
Sources
- Rotten Tomatoes – Official review aggregation and score
- Paramount Pictures – Official studio information and release dates
- Rolling Stone – Critical analysis and industry coverage
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.