There are multiple Stephen King adaptations coming up, but The Running Man is among the most exciting. The novel version was released in 1982 under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The plot focuses on a futuristic time in which a totalitarian version of America is obsessed with a television program where the game show contestants must run away from hunters who are hired to kill them. The 2025 version is directed by Edgar Wright and stars Glen Powell, Colman Domingo, Katy O’Brian, Josh Brolin, and Michael Cera.

It is not the first time that The Running Man will have been adapted for the big screen. The dystopian sci-fi thriller was first adapted in 1987, and was directed by Paul Michael Glaser and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role. Released almost 40 years ago, this version had to work during a time with access to less sophisticated visual tools as well as a time when King adaptations were less plentiful. In speaking about the adaptation, former star Schwarzenegger is right about one key thing.

Schwarzenegger Is Right About The Running Man Remake’s Budget & CGI

The Remake Can Improve Things Visually

Recently, Schwarzenegger spoke about how Wright’s version of The Running Man could improve from the original film. In an interview last week, Schwarzenegger mentioned that the 1987 version lacked a significant budget and access to “the technology of visual effects“ that are more available today. This led him to believe that the film “could have been better” than it was. Given the technology and the time that has pᴀssed since the original, the actor felt that Wright and his team had “a good chance” to make improvements. Check out the actor’s full quote below:

“I mean, I love the idea that they’re doing a sequel to Running Man, or a remake. I don’t know what it’s going to be, but I mean, because I always felt when we did, Running Man was one of the movies that it did, that it felt like, I think it would have been great if we would have been better prepared for this movie, if we would have had more money for this movie, and if we would have had then… the visual effects, the technology of visual effects, that they have today, all of those things I wished after the movie came out, I felt like it could have been better.”

“It was great, but it could have been better, and I think that they have a good chance now with the new Running Man to make it better. And I hope, for their sake and for my sake, I hope that they will be successful.”

Modern CGI and other technology definitely give 2025’s The Running Man an edge over the original. The 1987 version feels extremely dated in multiple ways, but its visual look is one of them. Even the costumes have a goofier approach than what someone like Wright is likely to do. The technology will undoubtedly affect how the movie looks, and combining that with a more toned-down approach to costume, and ᴀssisted by modern cameras and lighting, the film has huge potential to improve.

The Running Man Remake’s Biggest Improvement Probably Won’t Be VFX

Wright Wants To Stay Closer To The Book

Updating the VFX will not be the only difference between the latest The Running Man and the original adaptation. Wright is also planning to adhere more closely to King’s original novel. He has mentioned, for example, that protagonist Ben Richards will “move through different environments,” keeping the element of travel that the 1987 version lacked. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in 2023, Wright addressed his adaptation strategy even more directly. He felt that the Schwarzenegger film “didn’t really adapt the book” which is “crying out to be adapted.”

Wright’s comments indicate a deep respect for King’s work that will be reflected in his telling of the story. In essence, it will be a different film — not just because of the updated VFX, but because of the improved, faithful story it tells. While King was an established author at the time when the 1987 The Running Man came out, his work and adaptations have been even more well known since. There have been some great adaptations, so there is even more pressure to create a good film. By adapting The Running Man more faithfully, Wright is on a good path.

The Running Man Remake Should Continue A Great Year For Stephen King Movies

2025 Could Go Down As One Of The Best King Adaptation Years

The Running Man is currently set for release on November 7, 2025. If all goes successfully, it will continue the trend of 2025 being one of the strongest years for King adaptations yet. Both The Monkey and The Life of Chuck have already been released to positive reviews. September will see the first ever adaptation of The Long Walk, which looks fascinating based on the trailer. If The Running Man is also great, it will cement 2025 as a truly fantastic year for King adaptations.