Hyperactive and Reloaded: Edgar Wright’s 'Running Man' Trailer Brings King’s Dystopia to Life

The first trailer for The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, offers a dynamic new take on Stephen King’s dystopian story — one that leans into energy and stylisation without abandoning the bleak premise at its core. Glen Powell takes on the lead role of Ben Richards, a man forced to compete in a deadly televised game after being falsely accused of a crime. He’s joined by an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo, Katy O’Brian, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace and Michael Cera.

Wright has spoken before about his interest in revisiting the 1987 film, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and offered a loose adaptation of King’s novel. His version promises to stay closer to the source material, though still unmistakably shaped by his signature style — quick edits, bold visuals and a certain pop-culture rhythm that runs through much of his previous work. The trailer suggests something intense and self-aware, but whether it strikes the right balance between spectacle and substance remains to be seen.

For Powell, this marks another step in a quietly impressive rise through Hollywood — from romantic comedies to action dramas, he’s become a familiar and reliable presence on screen. The Running Man is due to arrive in cinemas on November 7, 2025. One thing is clear: Wright isn’t simply repeating what came before.