Fans of high-octane cinema have something to look forward to as Josh Brolin, known for his gripping performance in No Country For Old Men, is set to join the cast of Edgar Wright's The Running Man. Brolin will step into the role of the villain in this remake, which is expected to be a more faithful adaptation of Stephen King's original 1982 novel than the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Edgar Wright, known for films like Baby Driver and Shaun of the Dead, has often expressed his desire to remake The Running Man. With production beginning in London this month, anticipation is mounting for the film's November 22, 2025, theatrical release by Paramount. Wright's recent track record includes Last Night in Soho (2021), which was the most critically divisive film of his career. Despite this setback, his unique style and passionate fanbase keep expectations high for his next project.
The cast already features Glen Powell, who will lead the movie, alongside Katy O'Brian and Daniel Ezra. Powell, a rising star with recent success in films like Top Gun: Maverick, brings significant buzz to the project. The addition of Josh Brolin adds an extra layer of intrigue, as he consistently delivers compelling portrayals of complex characters.
Wright aims to differentiate this version from the 1987 film by adhering more closely to King's original dystopian story about a man on the run in a totalitarian society. This creative choice could give the movie a darker tone, potentially providing more depth to the themes of media manipulation and survival under an oppressive regime.
With its strong cast, talented director, and a deeper connection to the source material, The Running Man remake is shaping up to be an ambitious reimagining worth the wait.
As a longtime fan of both Edgar Wright's work and Stephen King's novels, I'm excited to see Wright taking on a more faithful adaptation of The Running Man. The original film was entertaining, but it strayed far from the novel's gritty, thought-provoking themes. Brolin's casting as the villain adds gravitas, and I'm curious to see if Wright can strike a balance between action and deeper social commentary.
What do you think about Josh Brolin playing the villain in The Running Man? Do you prefer a faithful adaptation of the novel, or did you enjoy the campy tone of the 1987 version?
