Glen Powell arrives in theaters today as the next major action star in Edgar Wright’s dystopian thriller. The Running Man explodes onto screens on Nov. 14, 2025. The film adapts Stephen King’s classic novella about a desperate father. Powell’s performance could launch him into blockbuster action territory.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Release Date: November 14, 2025 in U.S. theaters nationwide
- Box Office Projection: $20-25 million opening weekend debut
- Streaming Coming: Paramount+ in January 2026 after theatrical run
- Cast: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy
- Director: Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim)
Glen Powell Breaks Into Action Hero Territory
Glen Powell transforms himself from rom-com favorite to genuine action star. The film follows Ben Richards, a desperate father competing on a deadly game show. Powell faces off against Josh Brolin, who plays the ruthless show producer. Colman Domingo appears as the charismatic game host. The ensemble cast elevates the material beyond typical action fare. Experts believe this role could redefine Powell’s entire career trajectory moving forward.
“Glen Powell is emerging as Hollywood’s next major action star with The Running Man.”
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Powell previously starred in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You. Those roles showcased his charm and charisma on screen. The Running Man demands something entirely different from him. He must deliver physical action sequences and real dramatic weight. Director Edgar Wright is known for his dynamic visual style. He brings that expertise to the fight choreography and stunt work here.
Edgar Wright’s Faithful Stephen King Adaptation
Edgar Wright famously directed cult classics like Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. This adaptation stays truer to the source material than the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger version. Stephen King published the original novella under his Richard Bachman pseudonym. The 1982 story explores themes of poverty and exploitation through dystopian lens.
Wright’s vision modernizes the concept without losing its social commentary. The film runs approximately 110 minutes and carries an R rating. Production began in November 2024 at Wembley Stadium and various London locations. The production budget reportedly exceeded $100 million. That investment reflects studio confidence in the project’s blockbuster potential.
Plot Details and Premise
In a dystopian future, The Running Man is a television spectacle. Contestants qualify to compete by winning significant prize money. Participants must survive 30 days while being hunted by the network and civilians. The prize? A stunning $1 billion awaits the sole survivor. Ben Richards enters desperation—he needs money to save his daughter. He doesn’t expect the physical and psychological toll ahead.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Studio | Paramount Pictures |
| Director | Edgar Wright |
| Screen Rating | R (violence, language) |
| Runtime | 110 minutes |
| Premise | Desperate man hunted on hit TV show for $1 billion prize |
| Where to Watch | Theaters now; Paramount+ January 2026 |
The film delivers visceral action sequences combined with character development. Wright balances entertainment with substance. Critics note the movie never loses sight of its human story. The action serves the narrative rather than overwhelming it.
Box Office Battle Heats Up This Weekend
The Running Man faces competition from Now You See Me 3 this weekend. Both films target similar audience demographics. Industry analysts project harsh box office battle for dominance. The Running Man possesses Edgar Wright’s devoted fanbase behind it. Now You See Me 3 brings franchise recognition and established appeal.
- Both films tracking $20-25 million for opening weekend
- Running Man has critical acclaim from early screenings
- Paramount Pictures distributes wide across 3,700+ theaters
- Action-thriller audiences show strong weekend interest
- Word-of-mouth momentum building rapidly online
Early reviews praise Powell’s commitment to the role. His transformation into an action star resonates with test audiences. The runtime feels justified—viewers stay invested throughout. Box office analysts believe either film could emerge victorious. Much depends on audience preference for franchise sequel versus original character-driven thriller.
Can Glen Powell Become Hollywood’s Next Action Legend?
Success with The Running Man could reshape Powell’s career permanently. Action stars command premium salaries and choose their projects carefully. Top Gun: Maverick cemented Powell’s mainstream appeal. That film earned over $1.4 billion worldwide.
Arnold Schwarzenegger recently warned Powell about action hero demands. The physical toll increases exponentially with franchise expectations. Powell responded that he’s committed to doing his own stunts when possible. His dedication impressed industry veterans. Stunt coordinators praised his athleticism and work ethic on set.
If The Running Man succeeds commercially, studios will immediately greenlight sequels. Powell could land $20+ million per film contracts. Yet he risks being typecast permanently into action roles. Finding quality thriller content becomes paramount. Directors like Edgar Wright attract A-list talent because they elevate source material. Powell’s career balance will depend on choosing projects carefully going forward.
Sources
- Paramount Pictures – Official theatrical release information and studio statements
- Business Insider – Glen Powell action star emergence analysis and interviews
- Variety – Box office projections and industry tracking data
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.