Actor Glen Powell has confirmed that his role in the upcoming remake of The Running Man has received the personal blessing of original star Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In an interview with People, Powell revealed that he and director Edgar Wright recently spoke with Schwarzenegger via FaceTime to discuss the new version of the 1987 sci-fi classic. “Arnold gave us his blessing,” Powell shared. “Patrick [Schwarzenegger] is a great friend, and he helped set up the conversation. It was amazing to connect and get Arnold’s support.”
Powell takes on the role of Ben Richards, a character first portrayed by Schwarzenegger in the original film. The remake is based on Stephen King’s 1982 dystopian novel published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, and follows a deadly game show where contestants must evade assassins for a chance to win a cash prize and save their loved ones.
Directed by Edgar Wright (Baby Driver), the 2025 version features a star-studded cast including Josh Brolin as the villainous TV executive, Colman Domingo, Michael Cera, Katy O’Brian, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, Lee Pace, and Daniel Ezra.
Powell recently announced that filming has wrapped. “That’s a picture wrap on The Running Man,” he posted on Instagram. “All my love and appreciation goes out to our incredible cast and crew… can’t wait for the rest of y’all to see what we’ve been shooting.”
The Running Man is scheduled for theatrical release on November 7, 2025.