Stephen King on Running Man has become a trending topic as director Edgar Wright’s new film adaptation takes a bold step with its finale, earning the author’s recognition. The recently released movie, which stars Glen Powell and premiered in London, shifts away from the original 1982 novel’s ending, yet still resonates with both King and longtime fans.
King Reflects on the Film’s Updated Ending
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, King shared his perspective on the changed outcome featured in Wright’s movie. Despite acknowledging the deviation from his own original narrative, King expressed support for the film’s resolution. He commented,
“I like the ending of Edgar’s version of The Running Man very much,”
revealing his appreciation for the director’s creative direction. King added,
“Can’t say too much — spoilers — but I think readers of the novel will be satisfied because they get to have it both ways. If you see what I mean, and I’m betting you do.”
In King’s novel, Ben Richards, the central contestant, ends the story by crashing a hijacked plane into the network building that produces the deadly game show, ultimately resulting in the deaths of himself and Dan Killian, the show’s producer. This sharp, self-sacrificial ending has long remained a memorable feature of King’s dystopian tale.
The Movie’s Fresh Take on the Ending
Edgar Wright’s version charts a different course for Ben Richards’ fate. The cinematic finale shows Ben’s hijacked plane being shot down by the network before it can reach its destructive target, leading many characters to believe Ben perished. However, the movie later reveals Ben’s survival, as he leads a group of protestors to disrupt the next game and confronts Killian, the orchestrator of the competition, delivering a final act of retribution. This divergence offers both long-time readers and cinema audiences a blend of familiarity and surprise.
Director Edgar Wright Emphasizes King’s Support
Edgar Wright has openly discussed his concerns about how King would respond to these narrative shifts. He stated,
“Stephen King read the screenplay before we started filming, and so I was kind of most nervous about what he would think, but he loved it,”
reflecting the importance placed on the author’s approval. According to Wright, after viewing the finished film, King remarked,
“He watched the film recently, and one thing he said that I really liked, he said, ‘It’s much more faithful to the book, but different enough to keep it exciting for me.’”
Implications for Fans and the Future of Adaptations
The Running Man, after premiering in London and releasing nationwide on November 14, 2025, demonstrates the creative possibilities inherent in adapting source materials with the original creator’s blessing. With Stephen King’s warm endorsement and Glen Powell’s leading performance, this reinterpretation may well set a new standard for how beloved stories can evolve while retaining their core impact. Audiences and readers alike may look forward to further inventive adaptations of King’s iconic works.
