Fans of action-packed thrillers can look forward to seeing Glen Powell in a high-octane role in the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel The Running Man.
However, while audiences are gearing up for intense stunts, Powell’s mom, Cyndy, is feeling a bit anxious about the physical challenges her son will face on screen.
Glen Powell Stars as Ben Richards
Powell, 36, takes on the role of protagonist Ben Richards in the latest adaptation of The Running Man. The movie follows Richards, a contestant in a deadly game show where participants, known as “runners,” must survive being hunted by professional assassins to win a massive cash prize.
This is the second film adaptation of King’s novel, with the first released in 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The plot centers around Richards’ desperate bid to escape the deadly game, which has a zero survival rate. “It’s a great underdog story,” Powell said, reflecting on the character’s attempt to beat the odds in a game with life-and-death stakes.
While Powell is excited for the action-packed experience, he admitted that his mother isn’t too thrilled about the physical toll the role requires.
Stunts and Physical Demands
Powell shared with Entertainment Tonight that while he’s thrilled about performing “really cool stuff,” his mother remains worried. He joked, “That really worries my mom,” acknowledging the physicality of the role.
There’s a lot of running involved, and Powell humorously added, “Man, I’m gonna get my ass kicked for two hours in this movie.”
The character of Ben Richards faces an intense challenge in the film, trying to outsmart deadly assassins in a brutal competition broadcast for a bloodthirsty public. Powell described the film as a high-stakes, action-packed ride where survival is not guaranteed.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Gives His Blessing
Powell, who had the opportunity to speak with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the original star of The Running Man (1987), revealed that the legendary actor had given him his full blessing for the new version.
Powell’s connection to Schwarzenegger is through his friendship with Arnold’s son, Patrick, and the actor offered encouragement for Powell’s portrayal of the character.
Schwarzenegger even makes a cameo in the recently released trailer, adding another layer of excitement for fans of the original film. Powell expressed his excitement about honoring Schwarzenegger’s legacy in the new adaptation and mentioned that the team would be giving Arnold a “specific fun gift” from the movie.
What to Expect from The Running Man
Directed by Edgar Wright, the new The Running Man features an all-star cast, including Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, and Katy O’Brian.
The official synopsis promises a thrilling and dystopian adventure where Ben Richards is pushed into the game show as a last resort to save his sick daughter. As he faces professional killers and a bloodthirsty public, Richards becomes an unexpected hero — and a serious threat to the system.
The film is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025.
