Get ready to run! Before the new Running Man starring Glen Powell hits theaters on November 14th, it's time to revisit the original, a cult classic from 1987.
This isn't just any action flick; it's a high-octane adaptation of Stephen King's novel (written under the pen name Richard Bachman). But here's where it gets interesting: the upcoming movie, directed by Edgar Wright, isn't a remake, but a fresh take, promising a more faithful adaptation of the book and set further into the future. The 1987 film, for example, was set in 2017, offering a glimpse into a slightly dystopian world.
The premise? A desperate man enters a televised competition where survival is the ultimate prize. He's hunted by an elite strike force for 30 days, and if he lives, he wins a cool billion dollars. Think of it as the ultimate game of cat and mouse, with life-or-death stakes.
The 1987 version, directed by Paul Michael Glaser, stars the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards. Glen Powell will be stepping into the role in the new film.
Want to experience the original? You can stream The Running Man (1987) on MGM+ and Paramount+ (both offer free trials when you subscribe via Prime Video). You can also buy or rent the movie on demand for as low as $3.79.
The Running Man (1987) Cast:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards
- María Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez
- Yaphet Kotto as William Laughlin
- Richard Dawson as Damon Killian
- Jim Brown as Fireball
- Jesse Ventura as Captain Freedom
- Erland Van Lidth as Dynamo
- Marvin J. McIntyre as Harold Weiss
- Gus Rethwisch as Buzzsaw
- Professor Toru Tanaka as Subzero
- Mick Fleetwood as Mic
- Dweezil Zappa as Stevie
What do you think? Will the new Running Man live up to the original? Are you a fan of the book, the 1987 movie, or both? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
