The Running Man has a cheeky cameo. Sort of.
In Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel, *The Running Man*, the film pays homage to the iconic 1987 version featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, albeit in a clever and unconventional way. Glen Powell takes the lead as Ben Richards, a man forced to participate in a deadly television game show where he becomes prey for a ruthless audience. This new rendition is not just a remake but a reimagining that captures the essence of King’s dystopian narrative while introducing fresh elements for contemporary audiences. The film is set to premiere on November 14, and fans of both King and the original film are eagerly awaiting its release.
One of the standout features of Wright’s adaptation is the subtle nod to Schwarzenegger’s legacy within the story. While the action star does not make a physical appearance in this version, his likeness is cleverly integrated into the film’s universe. During a scene where Powell’s character is watching television, viewers are treated to a game show called *Speed the Wheel*, which features contestants running for their lives in a giant hamster wheel while answering trivia questions. In a satirical twist, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s face appears on the currency shown during the game, symbolizing his status as a cultural icon in this dystopian setting. This creative choice not only serves as a tribute to the original film but also highlights the pervasive influence of media and celebrity in the totalitarian world depicted in the movie.
As the film explores themes of survival and entertainment in a brutal society, the inclusion of Schwarzenegger’s visage as a form of currency adds a layer of irony. It raises questions about fame and the commodification of individuals in a system designed to exploit them. While it remains uncertain how the original Ben Richards would feel about his image being used in a totalitarian regime, this clever homage is sure to resonate with fans of the franchise. As *The Running Man* prepares for its theatrical debut, it promises to blend thrilling action with sharp social commentary, making it a must-watch for both new viewers and longtime fans of Stephen King’s work.
Of course
The Running Man
was going to have some kind of Arnold Schwarzenegger cameo. But how does the film pull it off?
In Edgar Wright’s new adaptation of
Stephen King’s
1982 novel
, Glen Powell leads the dystopian action thriller as Ben Richards, a desperate man who signs up for a deathly TV show in which he’s hunted for entertainment across America. It’s not the only film version of King’s novel, with Paul Michael Glaser’s 1987 film starring Schwarzenegger arguably the most famous.
So, how does Wright give a nod to Powell’s protagonist predecessor?
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While Schwarzenegger doesn’t make a personal appearance in
The Running Man
(2025), his face appears quite early on in the film. In fact, in a TV show run by the all-powerful, state-controlled Network, you’ll see Schwarzenegger’s visage printed on money, as if he’s a big deal in this totalitarian United States.
When Powell’s Richards is watching TV at home, he’s tuned into a game show called
Speed the Wheel
, in which contestants run for their lives in a giant hamster wheel while answering trivia questions like “who invented pepperoni” (or fall to their deaths). When prizes of $100 and $1,000 flash on screen, you can see Schwarzenegger’s face on the bills.
We’re not sure whether Schwarzenegger’s Ben Richards would be happy to see his face on the currency of the very police state he had to outrun in the ’80s, but it’s nonetheless on there.
The Running Man
hits cinemas on Nov. 14.
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