A few of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action masterpieces have earned their remakes over the years, but it seems like The Running Man is topping the list for him. In fact, to say the least, he practically disavowed his other remakes with the review he had for this latest film, which is set to be released on November 14 in the U.S.
A post shared by Edgar Wright (@edgarwright)
In a clip shared on Instagram, where Schwarzenegger met both Glen Powell, the lead in the remake, and Edgar Wright, the director of the remake, the 78-year-old star thanked the two for achieving such a gratifying experience with their movie. He said,
The only movie that I always wanted to have redone of my movies was The Running Man. So now, this one really upped it and did exactly that. The action was unbelievable and creative. So, really fantastic.
From the legendary star’s perspective, the only one of his movies that he felt needed to be reimagined in a remake was his 1987 original of the same name, and now that Powell and Wright have successfully pulled it off, he ostensibly couldn’t be happier with the same.
Every Arnold Schwarzenegger Remake Over the Years
Come to think of it, as outstanding as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action flicks have proven to be, over the years, a few of them have successfully earned their shots at a remake, too.
Besides The Running Man, this includes his original 1990 film Total Recall, which was remade in 2012 starring Colin Farrell in the lead, and his 1984 classic The Terminator, a new rebooted adaptation of which is currently reportedly in development (as confirmed by filmmaker James Cameron himself, per Collider).
Thus, here’s a look at all his remakes over the years, and the reviews they have garnered since then, as compared to the original movies:
Well, looking at these scores, it’s evident that not all of the remakes of Schwarzenegger’s original movies have succeeded in gaining enough fan attention in love. But now that the actor himself has praised this latest adaptation of his 1987 film, it sounds like a worth-watching film, so we won’t be surprised if it ends up being a major hit!
What Is The Running Man All About?
The titular remake of Arnie’s 1987 action/sci-fi The Running Man stars Glen Powell in the lead as Ben Richards, with the story of this dystopian action-thriller being reimagined into a similar one as the original one.
As per the official premise shared by Paramount Pictures, the movie features (via the movie’s website),
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.
This is where Powell’s Richards jumps in, who is desperate to save his sick daughter and ends up being “a threat” to the entire system as he joins the show. Here’s what the synopsis continues to read,
Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh 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.
In comparison, the original Running Man featured Schwarzenegger as a falsely convicted policeman in a dystopian America who gets his shot at freedom only by forcibly participating in a TV game show where the convicts, runners, need to battle their killers for freedom.
Now that the release of the remake is right around the corner, it will be interesting to see what exactly Powell and Edgar Wright have in store for fans that even Arnold Schwarzenegger found to be so intriguing and praiseworthy.
Are you excited for the remake? Will you be seated to watch it in theatres when it releases? Whatever your thoughts on it may be, make sure to share with us in the comment section below!
The Running Man hits the theatres on November 14, 2025.
