Stephen King The Running Man adaptation, starring Glen Powell, is set to arrive for streaming viewers, with Paramount+ confirming the release date as January 13. The film has generated divided opinions among critics and fans, and anticipation is high to see how audiences respond once it goes live on the platform.
Streaming Launch Details Revealed
Paramount+ has announced that the long-awaited adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Running Man will become available to its subscribers on January 13. This marks the second attempt at bringing the story to screen, following the 1987 film that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards. Director Edgar Wright, known for acclaimed projects like Last Night in Soho and Baby Driver, helms this latest version with Glen Powell in the lead role.
A Reimagined Dystopian Thriller
The Running Man centers on main character Ben Richards, who finds himself desperate for income after a string of failed jobs. The story unfolds in a grim future where society is dominated by a powerful media conglomerate. Driven by his need to provide crucial medical treatment and care for his daughter, Richards agrees to participate in a deadly televised competition. In this brutal TV show, contestants must evade a nationwide manhunt, striving to survive and claim a billion-dollar prize.
Ensemble Cast Adds Star Power
The film’s cast boasts a diverse line-up of talent. Notable names include William H. Macy, well known from Shameless, Lee Pace from Pushing Daisies, Michael Cera of Superbad, and Emilia Jones who starred in CODA. Additional cast members are Daniel Ezra (All American), Jayme Lawson (Sinners), Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Josh Brolin, who brings experience from the Avengers series and Weapons, in the role of Dan Killian.
Reception, Box Office, and Streaming Success
This adaptation of The Running Man currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 63%, slightly improving upon its predecessor, which scored 59%. Despite these better reviews, the movie’s theatrical performance was disappointing, collecting about $69 million globally on a $110 million budget. However, the film found new success through video-on-demand releases, where it quickly rose to the top of streaming and purchase charts across several platforms.
Glen Powell’s Rising Star
Glen Powell’s portrayal of Ben Richards is the latest in a string of high-profile roles for the actor, who has appeared in films such as Anyone But You, Twisters, Hit Man, and Top Gun: Maverick. His career continues to grow with upcoming projects like the second season of Chad Powers, How to Make a Killing, Ghost Writer, The Natural Order, and collaborations with industry names Judd Apatow and Ron Howard.
What Viewers Can Expect Next
The Running Man will be accessible to all paid Paramount+ subscribers beginning January 13, adding another title to the platform’s growing lineup of major releases. Fans and critics alike will soon discover whether Glen Powell and director Edgar Wright have succeeded in giving new life to Stephen King The Running Man, as the film finds a wider audience beyond its initial box office run. With a stacked cast and an intensified story, the streaming release is positioned to spark further discussion and debate among viewers.
