Arnold’s Running Man was an 80s cult classic, not great, but fun. Edgar Wright’s 2025 version stays closer to the source material, a novel by Stephen King (under his Bachman name), and definitely leans into the political messaging of the book as well as the modern era.

Set in a not too distant future, Ben Richards (a very angry Glen Powell) is jobless and is just trying to get medicine for his sick daughter. He’s taken note of the possibility of winning big money (or at least enough to see to his daughter and wife) on the countless reality game shows that are the bread and circuses of the masses, all airing on one big Network.

He gets noticed by Network head, Killian (Josh Brolin), and gets out on the most dangerous of shows, The Running Man, hosted by Bobby T (Domingo Colman). The goal is to run, and avoid the Hunters led by McCone (Lee Pace), who will hunt them down and kill them on live television. And viewers can take part by recording and submitting footage if they spot the target – and earn money!

And speaking of money, Ben earns money each day he survives, and if he eliminates any of thee Goons or Hunters targeting him, he gets bonuses. But the Network vilifies him, and manipulates everything – fake news – so that they can control the ratings and the people.

But Richards is determined to survive and tear it all down.

And so the run begins.

It’s bloody, violent, and has a point under all of its action beats. Wright knows how to tell the story, and Powell is likable as a man pushed too far just to look after his family. He also handles his action sequences very well, maintaining pacing and geography so the viewer never gets lost. And Powell is up to the physical challenge of the film. He puts himself out there and shows that he can easily lead a film.

The story also examines the us vs. them narratives created in media to keep people down and under control, and it’s so relevant to today’s age.

There are a couple of missed opportunities in the films, at least as far as King fans may be concerned; King doesn’t get a cameo, though the Bachman name shows up on a building. There’s also a miss with letting part of the story take part in Derry. I’m not saying I needed to see a clown, but not even a balloon floating somewhere in the background?

Still, it’s big, loud, has some big action beats, and has some important messages if you choose to pay attention.

I quite enjoyed this one. The cast is top-notch, and Powell is awesome.