Glen Powell Fights for His Life in Intense ‘Running Man’ Trailer

Two adaptations of Stephen King’s work have already hit theaters this year (both based on short stories). There will be a TV show based on one of his novels (The Institute) on MGM+ in less than two weeks. Last year saw Salem’s Lot revived for the third time (or fourth if you count the 1987 sequel, which you shouldn’t). More TV adaptations are on the way, with two of them coming from Mike Flanagan. And later this year, a Stephen King story about a dystopian future where people take part in bloody competition to earn a better life will hit the big screen. Then, The Running Man will be released about two months later.

The Stephen King adaptation business is booming, I tells ya. Or, in this case, the Richard Bachman business. In addition to The Running Man, The Long Walk will also hit theaters this year. One is much… shinier than the other. The Long Walk is about people walking until the last one collapses or is killed. It’s a competition, but not much glitz and glamour. Of the two Bachman adaptations, it seems the most “grounded” in reality. But, as Colman Domingo yells in the new trailer for The Running Man, “This is America, goddammit. And we don’t put up with no bullshit.”

I do not think The Long Walk looks like bullshit, but The Running Man certainly seems more “American.” Directed by Edgar Wright, the film will see Glen Powell join a reality show competition where he and a few other contestants are chased by Hunters in an attempt to survive and win money. Despite The Long Walk being less technologically advanced, The Running Man seems more plausible. Who wants to watch people walk when you can watch them be chased on the TV?! You can even rat the contestant out to get money yourself! What’s more American than that?!

This isn’t the first time this story has been adapted. Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in an adaptation in 1987, which was early enough that King still pretended to be Bachman in the credits. It was not a very big hit, but it has become a bit of a cult classic. It also had a significantly more hopeful ending than the story itself. Without getting into spoilers, there’s a moment in the trailer that makes me think they may try the original ending from the story, which is bleak as hell. So, gird your loins.

The Running Man will hit theaters this November, and, presumably, the remake or sequel will be scheduled for release in about six or seven years. After The Stand gets adapted again, but likely still before a satisfying version of The Dark Tower hits screens (what’s the hold up, Flanagan?!).

In addition to Powell and Colman Domingo, the cast also includes Josh Brolin, Sean Hayes, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, and Michael Cera. It officially hits theaters on November 7th.