Stephen King offers a concise 11-word review of The Running Man

Edgar Wright’s upcoming thriller, “The Running Man,” is adapted from Stephen King’s novella and received a new trailer recently. The renowned author has publicly endorsed Wright’s interpretation, describing it as “fantastic.” He shared his thoughts via social media platforms X and Threads, proclaiming the film to be “DIE HARD for our time” and characterized it as a “bipartisan thrill ride.”

Stephen King’s Praise for The Running Man

King’s original novella centers on a man named Ben Richards, who finds himself in a brutal, life-or-death game show. His motivation? To secure funds for his sick child. This grim storyline has a strong dystopian undercurrent, which contrasts with Wright’s cinematic adaptation that seems to have a lighter tone while maintaining the original’s violence.

Comparison to Iconic Action Films

In terms of stylistic choices, the film’s trailer suggests a resemblance to the action-packed feel of “Die Hard.” Glen Powell portrays Ben Richards, exuding a charismatic swagger reminiscent of Bruce Willis’s iconic John McClane. This fresh portrayal may set it apart from the earlier 1987 adaptation by Paul Michael Glaser, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Release Information

• Film Title: The Running Man
• Director: Edgar Wright
• Original Novella Author: Stephen King
• Release Date: November 14
• Original Adaptation Release Year: 1987

With King’s positive feedback, anticipation builds among fans eager to see how Wright’s vision unfolds. This adaptation aims to rejuvenate a classic narrative for a contemporary audience, blending intense action with thought-provoking themes.