Why ‘The Running Man’ Is the Riskiest Role of Glen Powell’s Career

by

As a huge action movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career trajectory. It’s amazing to look back and see that there was about 17 years between his first film role and his starring turn in The Running Man. While Hercules in New York wasn’t exactly a blockbuster debut, he quickly gained attention with the documentary Pumping Iron. That really launched him into stardom, landing him the lead in both the Conan the Barbarian and Terminator series – and let’s not forget battling The Predator! After all that, taking down a corrupt government in The Running Man felt like just another day at the office for Arnold. Now, with Glen Powell stepping into similar action roles, it makes me wonder if he’ll find that same level of success and ease with these high-stakes adventures.

The actor is preparing to play Ben Richards in a new adaptation of the 1982 novel, which promises to be more true to the source material. While it’s still unknown how viewers will react, the trailers for The Running Man reveal Powell performing impressive stunts, like leaping from exploding bridges and swinging from buildings. Beyond his leading role in the 2023 Netflix comedy Hit Man, this is Powell’s first major film where he’s the sole star.

‘The Running Man’ Times Two


Tri-Star Pictures

Glen Powell has consistently shown a talent for starring in diverse projects, as seen in films like Twisters, Anyone But You, Devotion, and Top Gun: Maverick. Whether studios are now more willing to cast him in leading roles or he’s actively pursuing them (a playful nod to his upcoming film), his choice to star in the 2025 action remake The Running Man is a significant gamble. While he’s appeared in action films, his career isn’t defined by the action genre like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s; he successfully balances comedy, drama, and action roles.

While it’s good for actors to try different kinds of roles, it usually works best if they’re already known for a particular type of performance. This actor has been working for over two decades, and the fact that he’s still searching for his niche is a little worrying. However, it’s not too late for him to find success.

The series Hit Man was a big hit with online viewers and earned the 35-year-old actor significant recognition, including a Golden Globes nomination. He’s clearly demonstrated his talent for television. Now, the question is whether he can achieve the same level of success as a leading actor in films.

Powell Has a Supporting Cast He Can Fall Back On


Paramount Pictures

Despite not being a big success when it came out in the late 1980s – The Running Man didn’t earn much more than it cost to make and received only okay reviews – Arnold Schwarzenegger quickly regained his popularity with the hit comedies Twins and Red Heat the following year. Now, actor Powell might experience a similar comeback, as he already has experience with comedic roles.

It’s important to remember this is the actor’s first leading role in a major film without a well-known co-star, and it’s also a remake – not an original story. This adds extra pressure for Powell, as audiences will naturally compare it to the original. Many remakes haven’t been successful – films like Red Dawn, Total Recall, The Mummy, and Death Wish are examples of this. Remakes tend to either be huge hits or complete failures, and The Running Man could follow that pattern if viewers don’t respond well to it.

Thankfully, Glen Powell has a talented supporting cast to help elevate the film. Josh Brolin plays Dan Killian, the producer of the show within the movie and Ben’s primary opponent. Colman Domingo plays the host of The Running Man (the show-within-a-show) and already looks fantastic based on the trailer. Other well-known actors appearing in the film include Jayme Lawson, Michael Cera, William H. Macy, and David Zayas. If the movie isn’t well-received, Powell’s performance might help shield it from the worst of the criticism. Audiences will find out what The Running Man has to offer when it’s released in theaters on November 14.

Read More

2025-11-04 23:03