The Running Man, a dystopian action thriller was released on Nov. 13, 1987. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards, a former helicopter pilot framed for murder and forced to participate in a deadly game show to survive.
Based on Stephen King‘s (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) novel of the same name, The Running Man is a loose adaptation that paints a bleak picture of a future where society is controlled by a tyrannical government and entertainment is derived from the suffering of others. The film’s premise remains relevant today, as reality TV continues to push boundaries and exploit human drama for television ratings.
Looking at The Running Man Cast
Schwarzenegger delivers a charismatic performance as the stoic and resourceful hero, blending his signature action hero persona with a touch of vulnerability.
The supporting cast, including Richard Dawson, known to many from his role as the host of the popular Family Feud, as the sadistic game show host Damon Killian and Maria Conchita Alonso as the enigmatic Resistance fighter Amber Mendez, adds depth and intrigue to the story.
Yaphet Kotto (Alien, Midnight Run, Live and Let Die) stars as Laughlin, one of the resistance fighters who escapes from a prison labor camp with Richards and ends up as a contestant on the game show.
Familiar faces portraying the stalkers who hunt Richards and crew the game zone, an abandoned part of Los Angeles divided into four quadrants, include Jim Brown, Jesse Ventura and Professor Toru Tanaka.
Reception
The Running Man opened at No. 1 at the box office, grossing $10.3 million to top the blockbuster hit Fatal Attraction starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close that grossed $6.3 million for the weekend. The Running Man would eventually gross $38.1 million worldwide, while Schwarzenegger’s other 1987 release Predator would gross $59.7 million and land at No. 10 for the year. Beverly Hills Cop II starring Eddie Murphy was the No. 1 movie of 1987 with $153.7 million.
Roger Ebert singled out Dawson’s performance, stating that he “has at last found the role he was born to play.”
In April 2024, it was announced that Glen Powell would star in a reboot of The Running Man according to Deadline.com. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Running Man is set to be released Nov. 21, 2025.
The Film’s Legacy
Visually, The Running Man is a product of its time, with practical effects and a gritty aesthetic that captures the dystopian atmosphere under the direction of Paul Michael Glaser. The film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and showcase Schwarzenegger’s physical prowess.
The Running Man remains a cult classic that has resonated with audiences for decades. Its exploration of themes like social injustice, government overreach, and the dehumanizing effects of media continue to be relevant in today’s world. While it may not be a perfect film, it is a thrilling and thought-provoking ride that has earned its place in the pantheon of 80s action cinema.
