6 Major Differences Between Glen Powell and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ‘Running Man’

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Edgar Wright’s new film, The Running Man, featuring Glen Powell, is now playing in theaters. It opened in North America on November 12th and is expected to earn between $23 and $25 million during its first weekend. This has sparked a discussion about whether the new version or the original 1980s film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is better. Critics’ reviews show that both movies are similarly well-received, with the original scoring 59% on Rotten Tomatoes and the new film currently at 63%.

While the two films are probably similar in overall quality, they differ quite a bit in terms of story, mood, and characters. The new film, unlike a typical action movie, is more of a sci-fi thriller with action spread throughout, staying closer to the source material from Stephen King. However, both main characters are appealing, so viewers will likely enjoy both versions.

Here are 6 major differences between Glen Powell and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Running Man.

The Protagonist’s Backstory


Paramount Pictures

In the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Ben Richards, a police captain living under a harsh, controlling government. He’s arrested and falsely accused of murder after disobeying orders to shoot peaceful protestors in Bakersfield. Later, he’s forced to compete in a deadly game show called The Running Man by the show’s host, Damon Killian, who hopes to increase viewership. The character is also portrayed as an ordinary man ostracized by both working-class and professional communities. Driven by the need to pay for his sick daughter’s medical care, he accepts the dangerous challenge of the game, where the only options are to run and survive.

The 1987 film gives Richard a background in law enforcement, which neatly explains his fighting skills – a common trope in action movies. Often, these films feature heroes who are former soldiers or police officers to make their abilities believable and avoid audience questions about their combat expertise. Plus, audiences in the 1980s expected Arnold Schwarzenegger to be constantly taking action, and this version of the character emphasizes fighting over escaping.

The 2025 thriller doesn’t need a traditionally tough hero. It just needs someone driven to their breaking point. Viewers can connect with both kinds of characters, but we feel more sympathy for Powell’s character because a child’s well-being is at stake.

The Setting


Tri-Star Pictures

The 1987 version of the hunt took place in a massive, 400-block underground arena built to resemble a ruined city, located in a closed-off part of California. The 2025 version gives the people being hunted the freedom to hide anywhere in the world.

Confined settings, like arenas, can build intense pressure and desperation, but they also restrict the story’s potential. Fewer options mean limited actions for characters. Moreover, focusing the story within an arena felt outdated for audiences in the 2020s, especially given the recent success of a similar premise in Squid Game.

Open-world designs let games offer more unique characters, diverse action sequences, and impressive visuals. While Edgar Wright moves away from the gritty, neon-lit style of the original, it doesn’t feel like a significant drawback. That kind of rundown, technology-driven, and corporate-dominated world is common in many post-apocalyptic films, so it’s readily available elsewhere if you’re looking for it.

The Villains


Paramount Pictures

The original film featured villains called “Stalkers” – exaggerated, powerful henchmen, each with unique abilities. Characters like Buzzsaw, who wielded a chainsaw, and Dynamo, who shot electricity, were among them. The remake introduces the “Hunters,” who are portrayed as a more standard, closely-knit military team, and most of their members are never identified.

Both films feature excellent action, though sometimes it leans towards being overly dramatic. The villains, known as “Stalkers,” are more appealing because they’re unique and have distinct personalities and weapons – it’s almost like watching a game like Mortal Kombat. These powerful and capable Stalkers also push the main character, Richards, to come up with clever ways to survive.

Honestly, I’m getting really tired of these ‘hunters’ in movies. They feel less like individuals and more like a robotic army these days. We’ve seen this exact same hunting team setup so many times – they all move and attack in the same predictable way. It’s almost too easy for the hero to figure out how to beat them, and it just isn’t exciting anymore. I wish they’d mix things up!

The Love Interest


Tri-Star Pictures

Okay, so at the beginning of this film, Schwarzenegger’s character is a total loner – no connections to anyone. But things change when he meets Amber, a composer who works for the state broadcaster. She initially thinks he’s guilty of the crime he’s accused of and tries to hand him in, but she quickly realizes there’s more to the story and becomes a real ally. Meanwhile, Powell’s character is incredibly devoted to his wife – it’s honestly heartbreaking to watch him fall apart when he’s led to believe she’s gone.

The romantic storylines in each movie are very effective, building tension and allowing the drama to truly shine. While Schwarzenegger’s character is strong, he’s less aware of how things work than Amber’s character, so he needs her assistance. Similarly, Powell’s character needs a strong reason to act, and the desire to be with the woman he loves provides that motivation.

It’s hard to forget the moment Richards learns about the death of his wife and daughter. His reaction is filled with intense grief and rage, captured with dramatic camera work. But after that outburst, he changes completely, becoming cold and focused on revenge. This raises a question: how much did love truly matter to him?

The Run Time


Paramount Pictures

Most people are familiar with the first movie adaptation of Stephen King’s story, and it’s about half an hour shorter than the new one (101 minutes versus 133 minutes). This difference is largely due to how long the characters have to survive in the game. In the original, contestants only need to last three hours, leaving little time for strategy. However, in the new version, they can survive for up to 30 days, allowing for more planning and complex gameplay.

For a long time, many people favored this focused and controlled story, but that preference could shift. The extended length allows the dangers to feel more intense and gives the characters space to suffer both physical and emotional damage. Audiences generally enjoy seeing the main character face a prolonged struggle before ultimately succeeding. It’s exciting to watch Powell’s character pursue the villains responsible for the trouble, all while being caught in a dangerous, high-stakes chase.

There’s a definite charm to short, focused movies. Paul Glaser’s approach simply followed a trend from the 1980s where action heroes completed their missions quickly. Many popular action films of the era, like First Blood and Commando, stayed under the 100-minute runtime.

The Prize and Contestants


Tri-Star Pictures

In the 1987 film, a dangerous game serves as both entertainment for the public and a cruel punishment for those forced to compete. Only criminals and societal outcasts are allowed to participate, similar to the movie Death Race. There’s no money involved – the prize is supposed to be a full pardon and freedom. However, in the 2025 version, anyone can join for a chance to win a life-changing $1 billion.

Both movies portray the games as a distraction – a modern take on the ancient Roman practice of “bread and circuses.” This phrase referred to how rulers would keep the public happy with food and entertainment, rather than addressing real problems.

It turns out the people running the competition aren’t who they seem. Amber finds out the televised winners are actually imposters, and those who truly win are later killed. The prize, therefore, isn’t about rewarding talent – it’s a trick used by the government to make people believe they care about the public.

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2025-11-14 02:05