Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Surges on Streaming Despite Mixed Buzz
Edgar Wright’s take on Stephen King’s The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, is making waves on Paramount+ after a lukewarm box office run and split reviews from critics.
Movie fans have flocked to see Glen Powell in Edgar Wright’s high-octane adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man, which has quickly become a streaming sensation. The film, helmed by the director of Baby Driver and Hot Fuzz, hit theaters in November 2025 before making its way to Paramount+ on January 13, 2026. Powell, who rose to fame with Top Gun: Maverick, leads a cast packed with talent, including William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Sean Hayes, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.
This marks the second time King’s 1982 novel has been brought to the screen, but Wright’s version sticks closer to the original story, reimagining the 1980s action flick that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as a modern, adrenaline-fueled blockbuster.
Star Power and a Gritty Premise
The story unfolds in a dystopian future where the most popular TV show is a deadly contest. Contestants, called Runners, must survive for 30 days while being hunted by professional killers, with every moment broadcast to a captivated audience. Each day survived means a bigger cash prize. Glen Powell’s character, Ben Richards, is a working-class father desperate to save his sick daughter. He’s persuaded by the show’s slick but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (played by Josh Brolin), to join the game as a last-ditch effort. Ben’s determination and quick thinking soon make him a crowd favorite—and a threat to the system itself. As the show’s ratings soar, so does the danger, forcing Ben to outsmart not only the Hunters but also a nation hooked on his every move.
Critical Divide and Audience Response
Despite the star-studded cast and the popularity of King’s original story, the film has sparked debate among critics. It landed a 63% score, with many noting that while the movie keeps a slick pace, it doesn’t quite reach the inventive heights fans expect from Wright. As Julian Roman from MovieWeb put it,
the film nails the book’s economic and authoritarian themes but stumbles in stale action sequences and a long, bewildering third act.
Viewers, however, have been a bit more forgiving, giving the movie a 78% on the Popcornmeter. Some felt that Wright’s direction softened the novel’s darker themes, but the film’s energy and performances have kept audiences engaged.
Box Office Struggles, Streaming Success
While the movie struggled to make a splash in theaters, earning just $69 million worldwide against a $110 million budget, its fortunes have turned around on streaming. The Running Man is now finding a new audience online, where its blend of action, suspense, and social commentary is resonating with viewers.