Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals If Glen Powell’s The Running Man Is Better Than the Original

Ahead of the release of Glen Powell’s new version of The Running Man, Arnold Schwarzenegger has finally shared his thoughts. And guess what? Despite starring in the OG 1987 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, Schwarzenegger was apparently more impressed with Powell’s version. 

Speaking with ScreenRant, Glen Powell revealed that he showed Schwarzenegger the film, and the original action legend loved it. According to Powell, Schwarzenegger even said this might be the most accurate on-screen version of Stephen King’s book so far. He also praised the physical effort Powell put into the role. 

He was so excited that the Stephen King book we put on screen – it’s really the first time Stephen’s vision has been properly adapted. He just kept saying, ‘It’s incredible.’

He loved it – freaked out, was so excited. But the first thing he told me, he goes, ‘This was a very painful movie for you.’ He’s shot so many action movies, and he knows what it takes to throw yourself around.

So now, with the support from the original star of the 1987 film, The Running Man has built major hype, especially for fans of Stephen King’s work and action movies. 

Glen Powell Reveals Brutal Journey to Faithfully Adapt Stephen King’s Story

While Arnold Schwarzenegger approved the new Running Man, claiming to be impressed with Glen Powell’s performance and action, the 37-year-old star admitted that making the film was one of the toughest jobs he has ever done. Reflecting on how painful and physically demanding stunt work was, Powell mentioned how he had to “constantly ice” his body.

While fans only see exciting fight scenes on screen, Glen Powell told ScreenRant that he spent much of the filming process getting hit, thrown around, and pushing his body to the limit. He shared that sometimes it feels discouraging when viewers think actors do all stunts easily or without real danger, because even with safety gear, actors still feel the impact.

It’s a process to really sell stunts. From an outsider’s perspective, when you’re watching a movie, you’re like, ‘Okay, I’m sure they’re padded up or whatever,’ but you’re delivering and taking a lot of hits over the course of a movie. And Arnold really appreciated that. He’s like, ‘One of the hardest action movies – those are just not easy things to get right.’

This is why it meant so much to him that Arnold Schwarzenegger recognized the effort. As someone who has filmed many action movies himself, the legend understood and respected Powell’s hard work and the struggle behind each scene. Finally, the 37-year-old concluded his discussion by praising director Edgar Wright for bringing his own creative style to the film.

Stephen King Approves Running Man After Glen Powell Won His Confidence

Meanwhile, all of this happened, and Glen Powell got the opportunity to star in The Running Man and make headlines surrounding the film because of Stephen King. Speaking at the New York Comic Con (via People), Powell mentioned how director Edgar Wright offered him the lead role, but then told him King had to approve the choice.

Glen Powell in a still from The Running Man | image: Paramount Pictures

According to Powell, King decided on whether or not to cast the 37-year-old as the lead character after watching his movie Hit Man. Naturally, Powell spent the whole night waiting and worrying about King’s reaction. But thankfully, the next morning brought good news, as King officially approved Powell’s casting. 

Edgar offered me this movie, and I was like, ‘Yes.’ I’m like, ‘Let’s go…’ And then, like, later that night [Edgar says], ‘By the way, like, you have to be approved by Stephen King. He’s gonna watch Hit Man tonight.

And so I had to wait overnight for Stephen King to watch Hit Man and hope that I still had the role in the morning. It’s terrible. 

Winning the confidence of such a legendary author made him even more excited and determined to honor the original story. Glen Powell thus appeared in the film as Ben Richards, who, per the synopsis, “must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward”.

The table contains basic details on The Running Man:

So eventually, after the completion of filming, Stephen King gave his seal of approval to the latest adaptation of The Running Man. He called it a “fantastic Die Hard for our time” and praised it as a “bipartisan thrill ride”, on X. Therefore, with both Schwarzenegger and King cheering for Powell’s version, we can only assume how great it’s gonna be. 

What are your hopes and expectations surrounding The Running Man? Let us know in the comments. 

The Running Man will hit US theatres on November 14, 2025.