Glen Powell Called Schwarzenegger Before The Running Man

By The Backlot

@backlotfriends

Glen Powell and another character look tensely out of a dark enclosure in The Running Man (2025)

Edgar Wright's The Running Man is a faithful adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novel, not a remake of the 1987 Schwarzenegger film. Wright has wanted to make this since he was a teenager. His first choice for the lead was Chris Evans. It took eight more years to land Glen Powell.

Before filming, Powell called Schwarzenegger personally to tell him what they were doing. Schwarzenegger gave the project his full blessing. Then they put his face on the $100 bill. Worth watching for.

Stephen King read and approved the script changes. He called it a 'bipartisan thrill ride.'

If you went in expecting the original's game-show energy, that explains the mixed reviews. It's closer to a paranoid chase thriller. Someone on Backlot just watched it. It's on Paramount+ now.

Quick Facts

Glen Powell Called Schwarzenegger Before The Running Man

DirectorEdgar Wright

CastGlen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones

GenreAction, Thriller, Science Fiction

Release2025-11-14

Runtime133 min

Rated6.8/10

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Glen Powell personally called Schwarzenegger before filming The Running Man and got his blessing. Schwarzenegger's face ends up on the $100 bill. #TheRunningMan #Backlot

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Glen Powell called Schwarzenegger before filming The Running Man. Schwarzenegger gave his blessing, and they put his face on the $100 bill. Edgar Wright's dream project.

Stephen King read and approved the script changes. He called it a 'bipartisan thrill ride.'

If you went in expecting the original's game-show energy, that explains the mixed reviews. It's closer to a paranoid chase thriller. Someone on Backlot just watched it. It's on Paramount+ now.