Glen Powell‘s The Running Man is getting mixed reviews at best, with some critics calling it outright bad. Fans didn’t expect such a response from Edgar Wright‘s movie. The movie opened to a 62% RT score, which is probably one of the lowest in terms of critical reception for an Edgar Wright movie.
Critics alleged that the movie lacked the directorial style of Wright and was entirely carried by the lead performance of Powell. Offscreen Central editor-in-chief Kenzie Vanunu called the movie “very bad,” sharing that it had bad action sequences and humor. She shared:
for me, the running man was very bad and has no idea what it wants to be. colman domingo and lee pace innocent, needed more of both of them! pretty bad action sequences and worse attempts at humor. https://t.co/pIg60fhJVa
Ryan McQuade of Awards Watch called Wright “a lost storyteller behind the camera” in his review of the movie. He shared that the movie was puzzling and bland. McQuade shared:
THE RUNNING MAN: We are going to need to talk about what happened to Edgar Wright. A film fully carried on its back by its movie star, and held back by its lost storyteller behind the camera. Puzzling and bland. pic.twitter.com/AeYoPlxyqb
Film critic Cris Parker took to X to share that he was underwhelmed after watching the movie. While the movie had its share of good things, Parker shared that it severely lacked personality and that Wright played it safe with this movie. He shared:
#RunningMan is a mostly enjoyable action ride but as an Edgar Wright film I was underwhelmed. It packs the least amount of personality in his filmography playing it pretty safe & straightforward. Powell is charismatic & the media propaganda plot felt scary relevant. It’s fine👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/PANIEvS4DT
Darren Mooney, another critic, shared that The Running Man did not stick the landing. He shared that the film failed in its third act after building a solid first two acts. Mooney shared:
I can now say that “The Running Man”
does not stick the landing, literally or figuratively.
A solid if unexceptional first two acts build to a surprisingly compelling third act that collapses at the last minute into the most catastrophic blockbuster ending of the decade. pic.twitter.com/ah6XGpnk25
Fans were sad to see the movie getting mixed reviews after they rooted for Wright and Powell. However, the critics agree on the fact that Powell delivered his best to the role, despite the movie’s failure in other parts.
Early Reactions to Glen Powell’s The Running Man Were Positive
As The Running Man reached a larger audience this week, fans were surprised at how the tables turned after its earlier positive reactions. Last week, the movie premiered at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, London. Some critics believed that the film was another exceptional entry in Edgar Wright’s filmography.
Rachel Leishman of The Mary Sue shared that she was pleased with how the movie turned out. She praised the movie for its action and emotional scenes. She also noted that the movie was going to be an instant classic. Leishman shared:
THE RUNNING MAN was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. Action packed, emotional, and a star vehicle for Glen Powell. Edgar Wright really bottled magic with Stephen King's novel and this is going to be an instant classic! It just fucking rules, man!!! pic.twitter.com/r2UR3VXiSm
JoBlo’s JimmytotheO shared that Powell’s performance proved his capability as an actor. He shared that Wright’s approach worked despite being very different from the earlier version of the movie. He shared:
Our man @JimmytotheO saw #TheRunningMan: Running Man features Glen Powell in a performance that only continues to prove what the actor is capable of.
Edgar Wright takes a slightly different approach taking on an action film that is vastly different from Arnold’s turn.
It…
Another critic who praised the movie was Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, who shared that the movie had “bombastic high-energy fun.” Nemiroff shared that the story stuck with her even after the credits rolled. Nemiroff shared:
What a year for Stephen King adaptations! The Life of Chuck, The Long Walk, It: Welcome to Derry, and now #TheRunningMan is also fantastic.
I enjoy the 87 film, but I was real eager to see a more faithful adaptation of the novel. Not only do Edgar Wright and co. deliver big on… pic.twitter.com/sDFWov9X8L
Drew Taylor of The Wrap also praised the movie, sharing that it had “superb set pieces”. He also shared that he loved the performance of Powell in the movie. Taylor shared:
#TheRunningMan rules. @edgarwright unleashes superb set pieces, mixing Verhoeven-style satire, sly social commentary and high stakes thrills. Best of all it's anchored by a great, emotionally resonant performance by @glenpowell, as an everyman pushed too far. Run, don't walk. pic.twitter.com/q73UDRVqsE
The movie has yet to be released in U.S. theaters. The Running Man will arrive in theaters on November 14, distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Is a More Faithful Adaptation of Stephen King’s Novel
Glen Powell’s The Running Man is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. In the movie, contestants fight against a team of murderous hunters for 30 days to survive and win $1 billion in a game show called The Running Man. Fans have earlier seen another version of King’s novel adaptation on the screen.
The novel loosely inspired the 1987 movie of the same name, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, critics have argued that Powell’s film was the more faithful adaptation of the novel. The movie has an ensemble cast, unlike the old movie.
The cast includes Jayme Lawson, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, and William H. Macy. The movie is reportedly the costliest production in Wright’s filmography, with a budget of $110 million.
What do you think of the mixed reviews for The Running Man? Let us know in the comments below!
The Running Man is all set to be released in the U.S. theaters on November 14, 2025.
