"Glen Powell Touted as ‘Tom Cruise’s Successor’ in ‘Running Man’ Remake; Critics Pan Anticlimactic Ending of Schwarzenegger Reboot"

Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Divides Critics: Glen Powell Hailed as "Tom Cruise’s Successor" Amid Mixed Reviews
(Images: Glen Powell in action scenes; Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 original film poster)

Director Edgar Wright’s remake of the 1987 cult classic The Running Man has sparked polarized reactions from critics ahead of its November 14 release. The dystopian thriller, based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a desperate man forced to join a deadly game show for survival. While some praise Powell’s charisma and Wright’s kinetic direction, others criticize the film’s uneven tone and anticlimactic plot.

Praise for Powell and Wright’s Vision
The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin awarded the film five stars, likening Powell to a young Tom Cruise: “It feels like a vintage Cruise project from his Minority Report era—timely, thrilling, and packed with showmanship.” He praised Wright’s balance of social commentary and action, calling the film “kinetic and stylish.”

The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw (3/5 stars) highlighted Wright’s “punk aesthetic and sugar-rush soundtrack,” noting “plenty of enjoyment” despite a “fudged ending.”

Criticism of Hollow Plot and Powell’s Star Power
Not all reviews were glowing. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney criticized the film’s “hollow” core and questioned Powell’s viability as a leading man: “The action is adrenaline-fueled but numbing, failing to elevate Glen beyond his supporting roles.”

The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey (2/5 stars) argued Wright’s shift from parody (Shaun of the Dead) to blockbuster filmmaking cost the satire its edge: “The bite of King’s novel is lost in slick maneuvers and cutesy gags.”

Nods to the Schwarzenegger Original
The 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger version, though a box-office middling success, gained cult status for its campy satire. Wright’s remake hews closer to King’s novel, exploring wealth inequality and authoritarianism, but critics felt the dark themes clashed with Wright’s trademark humor.

(Image: Side-by-side stills of Glen Powell and Arnold Schwarzenegger in their respective roles)

Plot and Production
The story follows Ben Richards (Powell), a father risking his life on a lethal game show to pay for his daughter’s healthcare. As he evades “hunters,” he uncovers the show’s corrupt producers. The cast includes Jon Brolin, William H. Macy, and Michael Cera.

Wright, attached since 2021, called the project a passion. Powell told IndieWire, “Edgar’s world-building is outrageous. We’re huge fans of King’s book—it’s going to be a great character.”

Verdict
While The Running Man delivers high-octane sequences and style, its blend of satire and action leaves critics split. Whether Powell ascends as a leading man or the film joins its predecessor as a cult favorite, audiences will decide when it hits theaters November 14.

(Image: Glen Powell in a dramatic scene from the film)

Critic Snapshot

• The Telegraph: ★★★★★ (“A Tom Cruise-esque triumph”)
• The Guardian: ★★★☆☆ (“Fun but forgettable”)
• The Hollywood Reporter: ★★☆☆☆ (“Hollow and exhausting”)
• The Independent: ★★☆☆☆ (“Lost its bite”)

The Running Man premieres November 14.