“You know why they cheer for you down there? If you can survive against those goons, so can they.”
That line, dropped in the second official trailer for The Running Man, lands like a dare. Paramount has unveiled a fresh look at Edgar Wright’s long‑anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel, and it’s a reminder that spectacle and satire can still share the same bloodstream. The film hits theaters worldwide on November 14, 2025.
A Game Show That Feels Too Close for Comfort
The premise hasn’t aged a day since King (writing as Richard Bachman) first imagined it in 1982: a government‑sanctioned bloodsport where desperate contestants are hunted for entertainment. Glen Powell steps into the role of Ben Richards, a man who volunteers for the deadly show to win money for his sick child. Survive 30 days, and you live. Fail, and you’re just another ratings spike.
Wright leans into the absurdity and horror of the setup. The trailer teases explosive traps, neon‑lit arenas, and a parade of “Hunters” who look like they’ve been ripped from both pro‑wrestling and nightmares. It’s satire with a flamethrower.
Glen Powell’s Star‑Making Turn
Powell has been circling stardom for years (Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You). Here, he finally gets a role that demands both charisma and grit. His Ben Richards isn’t a muscle‑bound cartoon like Schwarzenegger’s 1987 version — he’s a man who looks like he might actually break under the weight of survival. That vulnerability makes the stakes sharper.
The supporting cast is stacked: Katy O’Brian, Daniel Ezra, Karl Glusman, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, Jayme Lawson, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, William H. Macy, David Zayas, Sean Hayes, and Colman Domingo. It’s a mix of gravitas and unpredictability, the kind of ensemble Wright thrives on.
Edgar Wright Reloads
Wright’s fingerprints are all over the trailer: whip‑smart cuts, ironic needle‑drops, and a kinetic energy that makes even dialogue scenes feel like chase sequences. After Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho, this is his biggest swing yet — a studio tentpole with teeth.
The screenplay, co‑written with Michael Bacall, promises a balance of spectacle and satire. Expect Wright’s trademark tonal shifts: moments of absurd comedy colliding with bursts of brutal violence.
Posters That Sell the Premise
Alongside the trailer, Paramount dropped two new posters. Both lean into the dystopian carnival aesthetic: Powell running against a backdrop of fire and neon, flanked by masked Hunters and corporate slogans. They’re not just marketing — they’re world‑building.
Why The Running Man Trailer Hits Hard
- Powell’s Breakout Role: Glen Powell finally gets a lead that demands both charm and desperation.
- Wright’s Satirical Edge: The director blends spectacle with critique, making the violence feel uncomfortably relevant.
- Retro Roots, Modern Bite: Based on King’s 1982 novel, the story feels eerily prescient in 2025.
- Visual World‑Building: Explosive traps, neon arenas, and propaganda posters sell the dystopia.
- Release Date Locked: Paramount launches the film worldwide on November 14, 2025.
FAQ
Is this a remake of the Schwarzenegger film? Not exactly. Wright’s version goes back to King’s novel, which is darker, more satirical, and less campy than the 1987 movie.
What makes this trailer different from the first one? The second trailer leans harder into spectacle — showing off elaborate traps and the Hunters — while hinting at Powell’s emotional arc.
Why cast Glen Powell as Ben Richards? Because he brings a mix of vulnerability and swagger. He’s not indestructible; he’s relatable, which makes the danger feel real.
Will Wright’s style fit a dystopian action film? If the trailer is any indication, yes. His kinetic editing and tonal shifts could make this the rare blockbuster that’s both thrilling and biting.
