“The Running Man” key art.
Paramount Pictures
The Running Man, a new adaptation of the classic Steven King novel starring Glen Powell and Josh Brolin, is reportedly coming soon to digital streaming.
The Running Man novel, originally written under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, was published in 1982 and first adapted for the big screen in 1987 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Dawson as Ben Richards and Dan Killian, respectively. Directed by Edgar Wright, the new adaptation of the novel was released in theaters on Nov. 14.
The official summary for The Running Man reads, “In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, 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.
“Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.”
Rated R, The Running Man also stars William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson and Colman Domingo.
The Running Man will reportedly be released on digital streaming via premium video on demand on Tuesday, Dec. 16, according to When to Stream. While When to Stream is typically accurate with its PVOD reports, the streaming tracker noted that the film’s studio, Paramount Pictures, has not announced or confirmed the release date and it is subject to change.
When The Running Man arrives on PVOD, it will be available on a variety of digital platforms, including Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Prime Video, the latter of which already has the film up for pre-order for purchase for $24.99.
Since digital rentals are typically $5 less than purchase prices, viewers can expect to rent The Running Man for $19.99 for 48 hours.
How Was ‘The Running Man’ Received By Audiences And Critics?
The Running Man to date has earned $28.7 million domestically and $26.3 million internationally for a worldwide box office tally of $55 million. The film had a production budget of $110 million, according to Variety.
The Running Man earned a 64% “fresh” critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 266 reviews.
The RT Critics Consensus for the movie reads, “Spiritedly sprinting through grim source material, Edgar Wright’s The Running Man doesn’t live up to the director’s high bar for inventive action extravaganzas but maintains a slick stride.”
The film also received a 79% “fresh” Popcornmeter score based on 1,000-plus verified user ratings. The RT audience summary for the film reads, “Though a bit of the source material’s thematic heft is softened here, The Running Man still delivers a high-octane, gripping ride supercharged by Glen Powell’s irresistible charisma.”
Glen Powell’s The Running Man will reportedly arrive on PVOD on Dec. 16.