Stephen King’s classic dystopian tale The Running Man is back on screen with a bold new vision by British filmmaker Edgar Wright. The film, which had its UK premiere in London on Wednesday, sees actor Glen Powell stepping into one of his most demanding roles yet — and he credits Top Gun: Maverick co-star Tom Cruise for guiding him through the grueling experience.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Story
Originally published in 1982 under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, The Running Man imagines a bleak, media-driven future where a desperate man competes in a deadly reality show for survival. Wright’s latest adaptation, featuring Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, and Emilia Jones alongside Powell, promises a version closer to King’s original vision — far removed from the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger-led action spectacle.
Speaking to reporters on the red carpet, Wright said he felt compelled to revisit the story after realizing how different the first film was from the book.
“I read the book when I was 14. When I saw the film later, even though I enjoyed it, I thought it’s completely different to the book. And I thought there’s a whole other movie to that material,” he told Reuters.
Powell’s Intense Preparation and Tom Cruise’s Guidance
For Glen Powell, portraying Ben Richards — a factory worker forced into a brutal survival game broadcast to millions — was as exhausting as it was emotional. The 35-year-old actor admitted that the physical intensity of the role caught him by surprise.
“As a grown adult, I don’t know when the last time you’ve run for your life,” Powell said with a laugh. “But if you’re doing it all night, it’s a lot more exhausting than you think it would be.”
To prepare, Powell sought advice from Tom Cruise, known for his relentless energy and physically demanding performances.
“If there’s a guy that has more energy than anyone, it’s Tom Cruise — and he’s got plenty of experience running on camera,” Powell added. “He was very generous with his advice.”
Cruise reportedly shared tips on pacing, breathing, and maintaining focus during long action sequences — insights Powell says were “invaluable” during filming.
A Star-Studded Ensemble and Reunion for Wright
While several major cast members including Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, and William H. Macy were absent from the London premiere, the event turned into a mini-reunion for Wright’s longtime collaborators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The duo, famous for their work with the director in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, joined the celebrations, drawing nostalgic cheers from fans.
Film critic Anita Desai commented that Wright’s adaptation “feels timely in today’s media-saturated world,” noting that The Running Man “now reads less like science fiction and more like social commentary.”
A Modern Message for Modern Times
Early reactions from the London premiere suggest Wright’s The Running Man could strike a chord with both King fans and modern audiences. The filmmaker’s decision to focus on the story’s critique of consumerism and televised violence appears to resonate strongly in an era dominated by viral content and digital spectacle.
The film’s mix of high-octane chases, moral questions, and grounded performances could make it one of the most anticipated adaptations of the year.
The Running Man releases in the UK on November 12, and will open in US cinemas and worldwide on November 14.
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