**Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares Optimism about Upcoming ‘The Running Man’ Remake**
Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger has voiced his belief that a new version of the cult classic film *The Running Man* may surpass the 1987 original. The Austrian-born star, now 77, played the role of Ben Richards in the brutally dystopian thriller, which was adapted from a 1982 novel penned by Stephen King, writing under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.
During a recent interview with Comic Book Resources (CBR), Schwarzenegger reflected on his experiences filming *The Running Man* nearly four decades ago. He speculated that the remake, directed by Edgar Wright and featuring Glen Powell in the lead role, has the potential to fully realise the themes and visuals originally conceived by King. The veteran actor remarked, “I always felt, looking back, that *The Running Man* could have been better. Our resources, technology, and special effects were limited. Now, with all the advancements available to filmmakers, the possibilities are far greater. I hope they succeed—for their sake and for mine as well.”
The 1987 original cast Schwarzenegger as a reluctant competitor in a grisly televised game, set against a backdrop of a totalitarian future where impoverished citizens become prey for entertainment. The high-stakes spectacle, designed both to thrill and to pacify the masses, hinges on Richards’ desperate attempts to save his sick daughter, all the while unveiling darker truths about the system itself. The film achieved cult status thanks to its action sequences and social satire, although some critics have noted deviations from the original novel.
With film technology having advanced by leaps and bounds since the late ‘80s, expectations are high for Edgar Wright’s new approach. Wright, acclaimed for his directorial work on *Baby Driver* and *Shaun of the Dead*, has hinted that his adaptation will focus more closely on Stephen King’s original narrative. On the *Happy Sad Confused* podcast, he commented, “I enjoyed the 1987 film, but the book goes much deeper. Ever since I first saw the film, I noticed how different it was from King’s work and thought the novel deserved a faithful adaptation. It’s not an easy project, but it’s one worth doing.”
For his part, new lead actor Glen Powell, who gained popularity following *Top Gun: Maverick*, has reportedly received Schwarzenegger’s personal approval. Powell revealed he reconnected with Arnold through a mutual friend—Schwarzenegger’s son, Patrick—and was excited to gain the action legend’s support. “Arnold gave us his blessing,” said Powell in an interview with People Magazine. “I’m looking forward to honouring the role and maybe even giving him a little nod in the film.”
The remake is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in November 2025, and is already generating considerable discussion among fans of both its original source material and the ’87 film. Many observers note that the project arrives as Hollywood demonstrates a renewed appetite for dystopian narratives that reflect anxieties about media, technology, and social inequality.
Industry analysts suggest that Wright’s intention to return to the original novel could result in a darker and more complex film than the initial adaptation. Critics of the 1987 version often cited its campy tone and prioritisation of set-piece action over the book’s bleak realism. By recommitting to King’s intent, there is hope the new film will strike a more dramatic chord.
Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger remains philosophical about the legacy of his own version. “It was great, but it could have been better,” he conceded, expressing pride in having contributed to a film that continues to inspire discussion and reinterpretation decades later.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Wright, Powell, and their creative team to see if they can indeed bring fresh vitality to a dystopian saga that remains as relevant as ever in today’s entertainment landscape.