Stephen King has endorsed the new adaptation of The Running Man, praising director Edgar Wright for a compelling reimagining of the film’s conclusion. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, King described the ending as “faithful, yet surprising,” particularly for fans of his original 1982 novel.
Wright’s version features Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a character deeply affected by themes of corruption and rebellion. While the film adheres closely to the dark and dystopian tone of King’s work, it diverges sharply from the book in its final moments. King expressed his enthusiasm for the changes, stating, “I like the ending of Edgar’s version of The Running Man very much. I think readers of the novel will be satisfied because they get to have it both ways.”
A Shift in the Narrative
In King’s novel, which was published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, Ben Richards meets a tragic fate, culminating in a fiery act of revenge. After learning of his family’s murder, he crashes a plane into the network’s headquarters, resulting in a cataclysmic explosion. The book concludes with the ominous line: “The explosion was tremendous, lighting up the night like the wrath of God.”
Conversely, Wright’s film takes a more ambiguous approach. In a dramatic twist, Ben’s plane is shot down, leading the network to prematurely declare him dead. Yet, the film hints at his survival when a masked figure secretly pays for groceries for Ben’s wife and daughter. In a climactic finish, Ben confronts the corrupt producer Killian, portrayed by Josh Brolin, in a live broadcast that descends into chaos.
King welcomed this transformation. According to Wright, the author reviewed the screenplay before filming and responded positively. “Stephen King read the screenplay before we started filming,” Wright shared. “I was nervous about what he’d think, but he loved it. He said it’s much more faithful to the book, but different enough to keep it exciting for him.”
Modern Themes and Emotional Depth
The 2025 remake of The Running Man is designed for contemporary audiences, interweaving political commentary and social media dynamics with the original novel’s themes. In this adaptation, Powell’s portrayal of Ben Richards is marked by greater vulnerability and moral ambiguity compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s 1987 interpretation. The film emphasizes the emotional stakes of family and critiques a society that thrives on human suffering.
“To do one of these movies right, it’s physical, it’s emotional, it’s all those things,” Powell noted in a recent interview. He expressed pride in the work the cast accomplished, which also includes notable actors such as Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, and Jayme Lawson.
The collaboration between Wright and King culminated in a meeting earlier this year, with Wright sharing a behind-the-scenes photo on social media. This encounter marked a significant moment for fans, symbolizing a partnership that revitalizes King’s lesser-known dystopian narrative for a new generation. Wright acknowledged King’s influence, stating, “He wanted us to stay true to his vision — but also to take chances. That’s what makes The Running Man endure.”
With its explosive action, emotional performances, and King’s endorsement, the new film has quickly become one of 2025’s most talked-about releases. Although the ending diverges from the original novel, it offers a satisfying twist that keeps audiences engaged long after the credits roll. As King aptly summarized, viewers “get to have it both ways,” suggesting that in this case, the adaptation is a win for everyone involved.
The Running Man is currently showing in theaters worldwide, inviting audiences to experience this modern take on a classic narrative.
