The Running Man is one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year with an all-star cast and top-tier action bursting onto cinema screens.

Based on a bestselling book by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman), it was originally adapted back in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role.

This time, Glen Powell takes up the mantle of Ben Richards as he navigates a dystopian future where a sadistic manhunt is the number one show in the world.

Directed by Edgar Wright of Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver fame, The Running Man is shaping up to be one of the biggest new releases of the year.

But when can you watch it, who is in the cast and what happens in the original book? Let’s take a closer look.

What is The Running Man about?

The Running Man is set in a not-so-distant future where society has all but collapsed and the number one TV show is a deadly race for survival.

Seeking a chance to save his sick daughter, Ben Richards is convinced by a shrewd TV producer to sign up to the challenge; a 30 day manhunt with the chance of taking home a huge cash prize if he survives.

An official synopsis from Paramount Pictures reads: “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.

“Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (played by 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.”

How does The Running Man book end?

Wright’s version of The Running Man is slated as being much more accurate to King’s original book than the 1987 film.

There are major spoilers ahead for the novel, but rest assured that Wright has confirmed the ending will be changed for the film, a decision that has been approved by the author.

In the book, Richards finds himself cornered by assassins and makes a desperate bid to put a stop to the game once and for all. He decides to hijack a plane and crashes into the show’s headquarters, killing both himself and producer Killian.

However, this bleak conclusion to Richards’ story, not to mention its now eerie resemblance to the 9/11 attacks, meant the remake was always going to change the ending from its inception.

He told Film Stories this past October: “Everybody knew at the outset that [the novel’s ending] wasn’t going to be part of this adaptation.”

The director went on to admit: “Possibly the most nerve-wracking day of the entire production was writing to King with an attachment of the screenplay and pressing send.

“He realised even before he read it that we weren’t going to be doing the ending from the book. He said, ‘I was very curious how you were going to tackle the ending, and I think you did a great job.’ So I was very happy with that.”

Who stars in The Running Man?

In addition to Powell and Brolin, the film features a stellar cast of recognisable names. Here’s the full slate:

• Colman Domingo as Bobby “Bobby T” Thompson, the host of The Running Man show
• Lee Pace as Evan McCone, a hunter
• Jayme Lawson as Sheila Richards, Ben’s wife
• Michael Cera as Elton Parrakis, a rebel who helps Ben
• Emilia Jones as Amelia Williams, a civilian taken hostage by Ben
• William H. Macy as Molie Jernigan, a man who assists Ben when he is on the run
• David Zayas as Richard Manuel
• Katy O’Brian as Laughlin, a contestant
• Daniel Ezra as Bradley Throckmorton, a contestant
• Karl Glusman as a hunter
• Simon Haines
• Sean Hayes
• Sandra Dickinson
• George Carroll
• Martin Herlihy as Jansky, a contestant
• Sophie Simnett

Plus, there’s even a cameo from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the original Ben Richards from the 1987 film. Keep your eyes peeled.

When will The Running Man be released?

Fans in the UK are in luck as The Running Man will be getting a slightly earlier release than other territories.

It will be in UK cinemas from Wednesday, 12th November before releasing in the United States two days later, on Friday, 14th November.

Digital and streaming release dates have yet to be announced but will likely be in 2026.

The Running Man is in UK cinemas from Wednesday, 12th November.

Robert De Niro’s “spectacular” historical drama is set to broadcast on television this evening and will subsequently be available for streaming at no cost.

This captivating masterpiece, which also stars Jeremy Irons and Ray McAnally, will be shown on Film4 late tonight, before becoming available on Channel 4.

Better still, viewers will be able to watch it entirely free of charge, or enjoy the sweeping historical epic without advertisements via the premium subscription service, Channel 4+.

First released in 1986, The Mission is regarded by many as amongst De Niro’s most accomplished films.

Nevertheless, admirers of his crime dramas such as Taxi Driver and Goodfellas may have overlooked this particular work, so ensure you seize the opportunity now it’s so easily accessible, reports the Mirror.

Set in 18th Century South America, De Niro portrays former slave trader Captain Rodrigo Mendoza, who becomes part of a Jesuit mission dedicated to safeguarding the indigenous Guarani people from Spanish and Portuguese forces.

It has subsequently earned recognition as a highly-esteemed classic and is considered amongst the finest religious films ever made. The Church Times ranks it at number one on its Top 50 Religious Films list.

One five-star review from a Google user said: “The movie was spectacular! The music, acting, cinematography, was exquisite!

“Based on true historical facts of the Indian people and the journey of this tribe was heart wrenching. I have watched this film over and over again.”

Another enthusiastic review declared: “This is a Completely Great Movie from start to finish and I do not say that often.

“Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro are both Magnificent in their conflicting opposition.”

A fellow viewer commented: “It’s a masterpiece. One of the best films ever made, with multiple messages and deeper universal meanings. The cast is amazing.”

The acclaim extended to Letterboxd, where one critic noted: “This has been one of my all time favs over the years. It sadly is based on true events. Even though I have seen it many times the grand finale still brings buckets full of tears down my cheeks.

“The cinematography is as gorgeous as it is exotic. The waterfalls are spectacular! A magnificent score helps this film soar to a level of perfection!

“Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons give superb performances in this powerful and deeply moving film!”

A final admirer dubbed it an “incredibly underrated masterpiece”, noting: “The craftsmanship and execution are almost flawless.

“Most of the scenes make you as the audience feel multiple emotions in extreme manners at the same time (in a scene where DeNiro’s character completes part of his penance, I felt awe, pain, joy, laughter, sadness, and satisfaction).

“The performances were intense and impactful, and the sets incredible. This is a must-see for any religious person and for any cinephile.”

Should you choose to watch The Mission this week, keep an eye out for Liam Neeson in one of his earliest cinematic appearances.

The Mission airs tonight at 12:30am on Film4 and will be available to stream on Channel 4.

A film hailed an “unconventional yet moving grief drama” by Variety is coming to cinemas soon.

Based on Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir, the film follows Helen, a woman grieving after the death of her father, Alisdair Macdonald (played by Brendan Gleeson).

Sam Spruell, Josh Dylan, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan, Emma Cunniffe and Arty Froushan have also been cast in the film.

The movie in question, H is for Hawk, will be in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on January 23, 2026 and a new trailer has been released.

Knocked sideways by grief, Helen reminisces about the times she and her father explored the natural world together.

She becomes obsessed with the idea of training her own goshawk, and so Mabel is introduced.

The synopsis continues: “As she labours to tame Mabel, a grieving Helen undergoes an untaming of her own.

“A record of a spiritual journey, H is for Hawk is a story about memory and nature and how it might be possible to reconcile death with life and love.”

The drama has already garnered positive reviews after its premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival in August, and has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%.

Geek Vibes Nation praised the lead cast, saying: “Foy’s emotionally resonant performance is a genuine depiction of grief, while Gleeson anchors the movie with his tender and engaging acting.”

Next Best Picture added: “Whatever one makes of the title, Claire Foy’s performance alone is reason enough to see it.

“She soars in a role that proves once again why she is among the finest actors working today.”

The Hollywood Reporter concluded: “As an appreciation of birds and our connection to them, it’s engrossing and endearing — a fresher take, certainly, than yet another weepie about dog or cat owners.

“But as an exploration of grief, it’s hindered by a 128-minute run time.”

H is for Hawk arrives in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on January 23.