Arnold Schwarzenegger recently expressed optimism for the upcoming Edgar Wright remake of The Running Man, which is set to premiere in November with Glen Powell in the lead role. As Schwarzenegger promotes the return of his Netflix series FUBAR, he shared his thoughts on how new technology and resources could help the Edgar Wright remake of The Running Man achieve what the 1987 original could not.
Schwarzenegger Weighs In on the Upcoming Remake
While speaking with ComicBookResources, Schwarzenegger reflected on his experiences with the original production and his feelings about the remake. He noted the possibilities that enhanced budgets and modern effects could bring to Wright’s vision starring Glen Powell, who once mentioned receiving Schwarzenegger’s approval for the project.
“‘Running Man’ was one of the movies that…I think it would have been great if we would have been better prepared for this movie, if we would have had more money for this movie, and if we would have had then… the visual effects, the technology of visual effects, that they have today, all of those things I wished after the movie came out, I felt like it could have been better.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Action Star
Schwarzenegger’s comments reveal both pride in his past work and hope for what new advancements can bring. He also addressed the potential for success and personal investment in the remake’s performance.
“It was great, but it could have been better, and I think that they have a good chance now with the new ‘Running Man’ to make it better. And I hope, for their sake and for my sake, I hope that they will be successful.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Action Star
The Original Film’s Unique Production Challenges
The making of the original 1987 film saw significant hurdles, including the departure of its initial director, Andrew Davis—known for his later works on The Fugitive and Under Siege—just one week behind schedule. Paul Michael Glaser, notable for his television work such as Miami Vice, then stepped in with limited time to put his stamp on the feature. In his memoir Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story, Schwarzenegger criticized the decision to have Glaser direct, suggesting it impacted the film’s cinematic quality and longevity. Davis and Schwarzenegger would eventually work together again in 2002 for Collateral Damage.
Closer to Stephen King’s Vision
The Running Man was adapted from Stephen King’s dystopian novel, originally published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. The story centers on Ben Richards, who is forced into a murderous televised game. Unlike its source material, the 1987 version leaned more into the style and trends of the 1980s than a dark look into the future, despite boasting a screenplay from Steven E. de Souza, who also wrote for Die Hard and Commando. The film stood in contrast to other action and sci-fi staples from the era, such as John McTiernan’s Predator and Paul Verhoeven’s Total Recall. Critically, some argued it lacked the same memorable impact.
Edgar Wright’s adaptation reportedly plans to align more closely with King’s original narrative. This creative decision has sparked anticipation among fans and industry observers alike, as it suggests a deeper exploration of the dystopian themes and might address areas where the first film was seen as falling short. The original film did, however, foreshadow America’s emerging obsession with reality television and even featured an early foray into Deepfake-like technology, while possibly influencing real-world programs like American Gladiators in the late 1980s.
What Audiences Can Expect from the Edgar Wright Remake
Edgar Wright described his version as an intense, dangerous road movie featuring Glen Powell in a performance reminiscent of Bruce Willis’s iconic turn in Die Hard. The remake’s cast further includes established names such as Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Lee Pace, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, David Zayas, and William H. Macy. Paramount Pictures has set the release for November 7, fueling expectations for the first official images and teaser footage to arrive throughout the summer.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead
Schwarzenegger’s candid thoughts and the involvement of high-profile talent have generated substantial buzz around the Edgar Wright remake of The Running Man. Industry observers and fans alike are watching to see whether the new film can exceed the cultural influence and legacy of the 1987 original. With advancements in filmmaking, a loyal fan base, and the intent to hew closer to Stephen King’s vision, the upcoming release could mark a pivotal update for the story’s relevance in modern cinema.
