The Running Man is delivering a knockout punch at its London premiere with overwhelmingly positive reactions from critics and industry insiders. Edgar Wright‘s dystopian action thriller stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a desperate man entering a deadly game show to save his daughter. The film hits theaters nationwide on Nov. 14, 2025.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- London Premiere: Held Nov. 5, 2025 at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.
- US Release: Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 via Paramount Pictures.
- Director: Edgar Wright directs his most ambitious project yet.
- Budget: $110 million production from Complete Fiction Films.
- Cast: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Emilia Jones, Lee Pace.
Critical Acclaim Explodes for Edgar Wright’s High-Stakes Thriller
Critics are hailing The Running Man as a triumph for Edgar Wright. Early reactions from the London premiere paint a picture of masterful direction and edge-of-your-seat action.
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World of Reel called it “Edgar Wright’s most expensive film” and confirmed that first reactions are “all very positive.” The site emphasized how Wright balanced high-stakes action with sharp social commentary throughout the film.
“Critics emphasized how Edgar Wright balanced high-stakes action with sharp social commentary.”
Yahoo Entertainment reported enthusiastic reactions from attendees at the premiere. One source raved: “THE RUNNING MAN was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. Action packed, emotional, and a star vehicle for Glen Powell.” The premiere atmosphere electrified as critics left impressed by the film’s scope and depth.
Why Audiences Should Care About This Release
This release matters to movie fans because The Running Man represents a major test for Glen Powell‘s box office power. The actor’s star has risen steadily, and this $110 million thriller proves whether he can lead blockbuster franchises.
The film’s timing is strategic heading into the holiday season. Paramount Pictures positions The Running Man as the action movie fans crave before epic holiday releases arrive. Early word-of-mouth could drive strong ticket sales through opening weekend.
The Stephen King connection also resonates strongly. King’s 1982 novel inspired the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, but Wright delivers a fresh adaptation closer to the source material. Fans curious about a grittier, more faithful take will flock to theaters.
The Running Man Cast And Production Details
The Running Man features an impressive ensemble cast led by Glen Powell as Ben Richards. Josh Brolin plays Dan Killian, the show’s ruthless producer. The supporting cast includes Emilia Jones as Amelia Williams, Lee Pace as Evan McCone, Michael Cera as a fellow contestant, and Colman Domingo as Bobby Thompson, the show’s charismatic host.
| Film Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Edgar Wright |
| Release Date (US) | Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 |
| Release Date (UK) | Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 |
| Runtime | 2 hours, 13 minutes |
| Studio | Paramount Pictures |
| Production Budget | $110 million |
| Based On | Stephen King novel (1982 under pseudonym Richard Bachman) |
Production began in November 2024 across multiple locations. The film was shot in Glasgow, Scotland and London, England, with scenes filmed at iconic locations like Wembley Stadium and the Battersea Power Station.
What Box Office Experts Are Predicting
The Running Man arrives during a competitive late-fall period. Box office predictions show cautious optimism mixed with uncertainty about Powell’s blockbuster appeal.
- Box Office Theory forecasts an opening weekend of $22-23 million.
- Screen Rant reports a range from $19 million to $27 million for opening weekend.
- Some analysts project a total domestic run of $80 million or more.
- International markets in the UK and territories show strong early ticket presales.
The $110 million budget means The Running Man needs solid performance to break even. However, rave critical reactions from the London premiere suggest positive word-of-mouth could push numbers higher than current predictions.
Can Glen Powell’s Star Power Deliver Box Office Gold?
Everything comes down to whether audiences embrace Glen Powell as an action star. Top Gun: Maverick elevated him to A-list status, but leading a $110 million original action thriller is different from supporting Matt Damon or Tom Cruise in franchises.
The film’s premise—a deadly game show—taps into cultural obsession with reality TV and surveillance. Stephen King crafted this story in 1982, yet it feels urgently relevant today. Wright’s execution adds dark comedy and visceral action sequences.
Early reactions suggest Powell carries the film capably. Paramount pushed hard on marketing, and the London premiere generated massive buzz. Will that translate to sustained interest through opening weekend and beyond? Fans will discover the answer starting Nov. 14.
Watch the official trailer to get a taste of the high-octane action:
Sources
- World of Reel – Critical premiere reactions and Wright analysis.
- Comic Book Movie – First reactions coverage from London premiere.
- Box Office Theory – Opening weekend tracking and predictions.
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.