The Running Man Trailer Is Here And It’s Absolutely Savage

The hunt is on. And it’s being broadcast live for the world to see.

Paramount Pictures just dropped the first official trailer for The Running Man, a high-octane, dystopian thriller starring Glen Powell, and this new take is shaping up to be one hell of a ride. Based on the epic Stephen King 1982 novel (written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym), this reboot promises a darker, grittier, and more faithful adaptation than the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger cult classic.

A Deadly Game with Everything on the Line

Set in the not-so-distant future, The Running Man stars Ben Richards (Powell), a desperate, working-class dad who volunteers to become a contestant (aka Runner) on a brutal reality show to win money for his sick daughter’s medicine. The premise is simple. Survive 30 days while being hunted across the country by professional killers, all while every bloody, explosive moment is broadcast to a media-hungry public.

The trailer gives us our first look at Powell being relentlessly pursued by a colorful crew of bounty hunters, with Daniel Ezra and Katy O’Brian joining the chase. The stakes? Life, death, and just maybe, hope.

From Underdog to National Threat

While Richards begins the game as just another expendable contestant, his instincts, grit, and refusal to back down start making waves. He becomes more than just a ratings magnet, he becomes a symbol.

“Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.”

Josh Brolin brings the sinister charm as Killian, the show’s puppet master, while Colman Domingo plays Bobby, a flashy, morally bankrupt host reveling in every drop of chaos. Other cast members include Michael Cera, Jayme Lawson, Daniel Ezra, William H. Macy, and Lee Pace. It’s a stacked lineup for sure.

Edgar Wright Brings the Fire (and Satire)

Wright’s signature kinetic style is on full display here – think Baby Driver meets Black Mirror. The trailer is a whirlwind of neon lights, pulse-pounding chases, and brutal combat, with it all wrapped in a layer of sharp social commentary about media addiction and manufactured spectacle.

There’s also a wink to Schwarzenegger’s original film, with a cameo (or homage) reportedly approved by Arnold himself. Longtime fans of the 1987 version should watch closely.

The Countdown Begins

Powell looks every bit the reluctant hero pushed to the edge. The action looks visceral, the world feels uncomfortably plausible, and the stakes are sky-high. This isn’t just a remake, it’s a warning shot wrapped in explosions and adrenaline.

The Running Man is directed by Edgar Wright, who co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall. Wright also produces alongside Simon Kinberg and Nira Park, with a team of heavy-hitting executive producers backing the project.

The film races into theaters on November 7, 2025. So mark your calendars, guys. The game is on. And it’s going to be wild.