The Running Man, the latest entry in Stephen King box office adaptations, is looking to surpass some well-known films in King’s cinematic history, despite encountering stiff competition at theaters. The film, which premiered last weekend, is facing challenging market conditions as it tries to edge past established box office records, notably those set by Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and the original 1987 adaptation of the same novel.
New Release Struggles Amid Fierce Competition
Starring Glen Powell, The Running Man entered the market as a hopeful contender for the number one position, but it ultimately secured the second spot behind Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, another new release. The result was unexpected for some, considering both the fervent promotional campaign and the recent popularity of Powell. As the weeks progressed, the movie’s earnings dipped to a single-digit weekly haul, as it faced continued competition from Now You See Me 3 and the high-grossing Wicked: For Good, which debuted with an impressive $70 million opening day.
Historic Comparisons and Adaptation Legacy
The Running Man is positioned to overtake both the 1987 film adaptation—featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which finished its theatrical run with $38 million—and The Shining, whose lifetime box office tally reached $46 million globally. The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick and adapted from King’s novel, remains a significant reference point in the genre. Despite its critical reputation now, King was notably dissatisfied with Kubrick’s interpretation and eventually oversaw a separate television adaptation. It’s important to note that The Shining’s earnings are unadjusted for inflation, implying that it had a larger viewership in theaters during its original run than The Running Man has achieved so far.
Critical Response and Industry Standings
Directed by Edgar Wright and produced with a $110 million budget, The Running Man has received a moderate reception from critics, currently holding a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This performance is considered solid but not exceptional, especially in comparison with The Long Walk, another recent King project that continues to outperform it at the box office. In addition, The Running Man must contend with the ongoing popularity of Predator: Badlands, another major release attracting audience attention.
Notable Cast Bringing Characters to Life
The character of Ben Richards is played by Glen Powell, who leads the movie as its central figure. Josh Brolin joins him in the cast, portraying Dan Killian, adding further star power to the lineup. Their performances aim to bring fresh perspectives to roles first introduced in King’s novel, written under the Richard Bachman pen name, and later visualized in the 1987 Schwarzenegger film.
Looking Ahead: Box Office Race and Stephen King Adaptations
The Running Man’s position in the landscape of Stephen King box office adaptations will be closely watched as it attempts to overcome the benchmarks established by past films. As a special IMAX re-release of The Shining is set for next month, interest in King’s stories on the big screen remains high, ensuring renewed attention to both the old and the new adaptations. The weeks ahead will reveal whether The Running Man can maintain its momentum and set a new standard for King stories at the box office.
