By Irshad Khan 
Fans at New York Comic-Con 2025 were treated to an electrifying surprise when acclaimed filmmaker Edgar Wright unveiled the first official trailer for his upcoming dystopian thriller, The Running Man. The film, starring Glen Powell and Josh Brolin, reimagines Stephen King’s 1982 novel of the same name for a new generation with Wright’s signature visual flair. The trailer instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the convention, earning a standing ovation and setting social media on fire.
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Trailer Premiere at Comic-Con
During the Paramount Pictures panel, Wright appeared alongside stars Glen Powell and Lee Pace to debut the high-octane trailer for The Running Man. The footage revealed a gritty, fast-paced world where contestants in a life-or-death game show must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional killers—all for the entertainment of a dystopian society obsessed with televised violence. Wright’s unique camera work and punchy editing drew cheers from fans, many calling it “the highlight of Comic-Con 2025.”
Plot & Storyline
Set in a bleak near-future, The Running Man centers on Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell), a wrongfully accused worker who is thrust into a deadly televised competition where survival brings fame—and failure means death. Each day on the run increases the grand prize, but Richards soon realizes that winning may require taking down the system itself. The film explores themes of media manipulation, state control, and resistance in an era when fear itself has become entertainment.
Cast & Creative Team
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Colman Domingo, and Michael Cera. Powell takes on the role that was once made iconic by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 version, while Brolin plays Dan Killian, the cunning producer who orchestrates the deadly spectacle.
Edgar Wright directs and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Michael Bacall and Stephen King (whose original novel forms the basis of the film). The movie is produced by Simon Kinberg and Nira Park, with music composed by Steven Price, known for his work on Baby Driver and Gravity.
Edgar Wright’s Vision
Known for his dynamic editing and kinetic camera movements, Wright’s take on The Running Man promises a darker, edgier experience than the 1987 adaptation. During the Comic-Con panel, Wright emphasized his desire to stay true to Stephen King’s original tone—more psychological thriller than satire. Audience members praised the trailer’s tempo, practical effects, and meticulous choreography, hallmark elements of Wright’s filmmaking style.
Release Details
The Running Man races into theaters worldwide on November 14, 2025, under Paramount Pictures. Wright confirmed that no streaming release is currently planned, reinforcing his commitment to a full-scale theatrical experience with IMAX screenings. Following the Comic-Con premiere, the trailer dropped online to rave reviews, amassing over 20 million views in its first 24 hours.
Source: Gizmodo, IMDb, Paramount Pictures, IGN, Wikipedia.