What Arnold Schwarzenegger Really Thinks About Remake of His Stephen King Action Classic

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A new film adaptation of a story by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) is hitting theaters later this month, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. This isn’t the first time the story has been adapted for the screen – there was an action movie version in 1987. So, what does Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the original, think of the remake? He’s shared that it appears to be shaping up well.

I recently read an interview with Powell over at ScreenRant about his new film. He’s playing a character named Ben Richards, and he shared some exciting news – Arnold Schwarzenegger apparently thinks the movie is absolutely incredible! Powell was thrilled to mention that Arnold gave it a huge thumbs-up, and honestly, that’s a pretty great endorsement.

He was thrilled with how we adapted the Stephen King book, saying it was the first time the author’s original vision had truly come to life. He kept repeating how incredible it was and was genuinely excited. But the first thing he said to me was that making the movie must have been physically demanding for me, noting his experience with action films and the toll they take.

It looks like The Running Man will be another strong adaptation of a Stephen King story this year, following the successful releases and positive reception of The Long Walk and The Life of Chuck.

Early Reactions Suggest ‘The Running Man’ Will Be a Hit With Fans


Paramount Pictures

While already adapted once into a popular, though not entirely accurate, film, The Running Man has a dedicated fanbase. The Schwarzenegger movie received a 65% approval rating from critics and currently holds a 61% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite being one of many beloved films, it transformed King’s dark story into a high-energy, action-packed showcase for Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Edgar Wright is putting his own spin on this story, much like previous adaptations, by expanding on Stephen King’s basic plot for today’s viewers. While King’s story was originally set in the near future of 2019, those futuristic elements don’t feel as impactful now. Wright’s take appears to be more realistic and down-to-earth compared to the first film version.

Initial responses to the movie have been overwhelmingly positive. Stephen King himself compared it to “Die Hard,” while frequent collaborator Mick Garris described it as a “ferocious reboot.” Christopher Miller, creator of Spider-Verse, praised its “fun action and insanity.” Music video director Joseph Kahn also offered high praise for the film’s director, Wright.

I just watched “Running Man,” and it really feels like Edgar Wright’s take on “North by Northwest.” If you enjoyed the action in “Baby Driver,” you’re in for a treat – this is something different and exciting. He’s clearly having fun playing with classic Hollywood techniques, channeling Hitchcock, and the result is a really fun experience.

The movie The Running Man comes out in theaters on November 14th, and we’ll likely see reviews from critics appear in about a week.

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2025-11-01 20:47