Glen Powell Secures Approval from Arnold Schwarzenegger for ‘The Running Man’ Reboot
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In an exclusive insight, Glen Powell shares how he received the seal of approval from Arnold Schwarzenegger for his leading role in the upcoming remake of ‘The Running Man.’ The 36-year-old actor delved into a discussion with PEOPLE about his latest venture, the condiment line Smash Kitchen, during which he disclosed his interaction with the iconic star. Powell recounted how both he and director Edgar Wright recently connected with Schwarzenegger via FaceTime regarding the role, given that the Terminator actor headlined the original film back in 1987. Powell expressed, “Arnold gave us his blessing. [His son] Patrick Schwarzenegger is a great friend of mine, and I asked Patrick if I could talk to Arnold.”
The upcoming Running Man remake, based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel of the same title, marks Powell’s portrayal of Schwarzenegger’s character from the original dystopian movie. The storyline revolves around a lethal game show where convicted criminals, known as “runners,” must evade death at the hands of professional killers. Powell revealed, “Arnold gave us his full blessing, and we get to give Arnold a very specific fun gift from the movie in a couple of weeks here. So I’m very excited to see him.” The actor, alongside director Edgar Wright and co-stars Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo, presented a sneak peek of the new Running Man at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 3.
Last November, Powell was spotted filming action scenes in London, nearly 37 years after the original film’s release. Clad in casual attire and sneakers, he was captured in character as the protagonist Ben Richards, likely evading capture in intense sequences. The remake will also feature Lee Pace, Katy O’Brian, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, and Michael Cera. Notably, the original film, directed by Paul Michael Glaser, boasted a cast including María Conchita Alonso, Yaphet Kotto, Jim Brown, Jesse Ventura, and Schwarzenegger himself.
Fans can anticipate the release of The Running Man on November 7, 2025, as Powell steps into the shoes of the lead character in this revitalised version of the classic. The film promises to infuse a new energy into the beloved story, with Powell’s portrayal backed by Schwarzenegger’s endorsement. As the production progresses and more details emerge, excitement mounts within the cinematic community for this highly anticipated project.
In the realm of entertainment, where reboots and remakes are commonplace, the endorsement from an original star such as Arnold Schwarzenegger adds a unique layer of authenticity to Glen Powell’s involvement in The Running Man. The exchange of support between these actors symbolises a passing of the torch from one generation of action heroes to the next, creating a bridge between the classic film and its contemporary reimagination. Powell’s dedication to the role and his evident enthusiasm for the project bode well for the success of the upcoming film.