Glen Powell is stepping into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic role in The Running Man. The 2025 action thriller hits theaters on November 14 with director Edgar Wright at the helm. Best of all? Schwarzenegger himself gave the remake his full blessing on camera. The Austrian Oak called it “really fantastic” and praised the film’s “unbelievable” action sequences.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Release Date: Nov. 14, 2025 in U.S. theaters nationwide
- Runtime: 2 hours 13 minutes of dystopian action
- Arnold’s Blessing: Schwarzenegger gave his full approval in November 2025
- Plot: A desperate man must survive 30 days hunted by killers on live TV
- Budget: $110 million production co-produced with Paramount Pictures
What Happened: Powell Takes the Lead Role
Glen Powell confirmed in April 2025 that he’d secured Arnold Schwarzenegger’s blessing. Powell reached out through Patrick Schwarzenegger, Arnold’s son and friend. They connected via FaceTime to discuss the project. Arnold immediately gave them his seal of approval.
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“Arnold gave us his blessing,” Powell told PEOPLE at the NYC premiere on November 9. The iconic action star reversed his typical stance on remakes. Schwarzenegger called this “the only movie that I always wanted to have redone of my movies.”
“The action was unbelievable and creative. So now, this one really upped it and did exactly that.”
The film is based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel. Edgar Wright directed the script he co-wrote with Michael Bacall. This marks only the second adaptation of the dystopian classic.
Why This Matters: A New Kind of Action Star
Glen Powell faces intense pressure taking on this legendary role. Multiple action movie veterans warned him beforehand. Powell acknowledged the challenge at the premiere. “Every single one of my buddies who have starred in action movies told me this,” he shared.
All of them said the same thing: it would be “intense.” Being the front-and-center lead in a high-stakes thriller demands serious commitment. Powell felt the weight of this responsibility. The stunts proved grueling and physically demanding throughout filming.
Yet Powell delivered with pride. “To do it right—and I really am so proud of what we did—it’s very physical, it’s very emotional,” he told PEOPLE. The film showcases an entire world hunting one man nonstop. That pressure translates directly to viewers across theaters nationwide.
The Story: Desperation Meets Reality TV
In a near-future society, The Running Man dominates television ratings. This deadly competition forces Runners to survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. Every move broadcasts to millions. Daily survival brings increased cash rewards.
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Glen Powell as Ben Richards |
| Director | Edgar Wright |
| Release Date | November 14, 2025 |
| Runtime | 2 hours 13 minutes |
| Rating | R (violence and language) |
| Co-Star | Josh Brolin as ruthless producer |
Ben Richards becomes a Runner out of desperation. He needs money to save his sick daughter. The show’s charming but ruthless producer Dan Killian (played by Josh Brolin) recruits him.
But Richards proves different from typical contestants. His defiance and grit transform him into an unlikely fan favorite. Ratings skyrocket as citizens root for him. However, success breeds danger. The entire system feels threatened by his rise.
What to Watch For: Supporting Cast Shines
- Emilia Jones portrays Amelia Williams, offering emotional depth
- Lee Pace plays Evan McCone, the government official running operations
- Katy O’Brian takes on Laughlin, one of the deadly hunters
- Michael Cera adds humor as Elton in the dystopian world
- Colman Domingo rounds out the cast as Bobby Thompson
- William H. Macy joins the ensemble bringing veteran credentials
The ensemble cast brings depth beyond just action sequences. Edgar Wright crafted relationships that matter emotionally. Supporting players elevate material beyond simple gunfights and chase scenes.
Can Glen Powell Truly Fill Schwarzenegger’s Shoes?
Glen Powell has proven himself in action roles already. Top Gun: Maverick (2022) established his capability with stunts. Anyone but You (2023) showed his charisma with audiences. Yet this represents his biggest action lead to date.
The pressure intensified when considering the original 1987 film. That Running Man became a cult classic with Schwarzenegger delivering unforgettable one-liners. Powell brings a different energy—less brute force, more youthful tenacity.
Tom Cruise, Powell’s Top Gun mentor, reportedly spent over 2 hours coaching him. “Basically told me how not to die,” Powell joked. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself offered words of encouragement. Standing in the shoes of action legends? That’s pressure, but also opportunity.
Will Glen Powell become the action star this era needs? The Running Man releases November 14. Audiences worldwide will have their answer within hours.
Sources
- People.com – Exclusive premiere interview with Glen Powell on the intense demands
- IMDB – Complete cast, crew, and production details for the film
- Yahoo Entertainment – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s official blessing video released
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.