Home > News > "Edgar Wright's The Running Man Trailer Debuts: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera Star"
The first official trailer for *The Running Man* has arrived, offering a fresh and more faithful cinematic take on Stephen King’s iconic novel—this time with Glen Powell stepping into the role made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 cult classic. The new adaptation, directed by Edgar Wright of *Shaun of the Dead* and *Baby Driver*, brings a high-octane, modern twist to the dystopian thriller.
In this updated version, Glen Powell plays Ben Richards, a desperate father struggling to afford life-saving medical treatment for his sick daughter. With his employment status marked as “blacklisted,” Richards finds himself with no other option but to enter the deadly televised game show known as *The Running Man*. This contrasts with the original film, where Schwarzenegger’s character was a wrongly accused police officer forced into the game.
The structure of the game itself is also reimagined. Unlike the enclosed arena-style setup from the 1987 film, Powell’s character must survive while being hunted across the entire country. The prize? A shot at financial freedom—if he can last 30 days. As seen in the trailer, every move he makes is tracked, watched, and exploited for entertainment value by a voyeuristic public.
Edgar Wright’s distinct visual flair and fast-paced storytelling are immediately evident in the trailer. Known for his stylistic direction, Wright aims to stay closer to the source material written by Stephen King. Josh Brolin stars as Killian, the ruthless executive producer of the show, while Colman Domingo portrays Bobby Thompson, the charismatic host who oversees the chaos. In one intense moment, Richards confronts Killian before entering the game, vowing to settle the score.
One of the standout elements teased in the trailer is the presence of a mysterious masked hunter pursuing Richards throughout his journey. Played by Lee Pace (*Foundation*), the character named McCone remains largely enigmatic, heightening the suspense of the chase. Meanwhile, Michael Cera takes on the role of Elton Parrakis, a character from the book whose portrayal promises to surprise audiences familiar with Cera’s previous work.
Wright shared his excitement about reuniting with Cera and pairing him with Powell, describing their dynamic as an "unlikely duo" that brought unexpected energy to the screen. One particularly quirky scene sees Cera’s character assist Richards by dousing an electrified floor with water—an action-packed moment that feels straight out of a video game.
As expected from a Wright-directed film, the trailer delivers thrilling sequences filled with precision editing and adrenaline-fueled chases. One standout moment features Richards fleeing through an apartment complex, dodging gunfire in a narrow hallway, sliding into an elevator, and narrowly escaping his pursuers—all captured with signature flair.
Fans will also get to see Glen Powell lean into the physicality of the role, including plenty of running—and yes, shirtless scenes—that highlight his commitment to the character's grueling survival journey.
*The Running Man* is set to premiere on November 7, 2025, promising a bold reimagining of a beloved story that blends dystopian drama, action spectacle, and Edgar Wright’s unmistakable creative vision.