‘Running Man’ Writer Cheers on Glen Powell’s Movie Despite Soft Opening: ‘I Wanted It to Succeed!’

Glen Powell’s new take on The Running Man has raised eyebrows after a slow start at the box office. Released by Paramount Pictures, it debuted in second place, earning $16.5 million in the U.S. and $28 million globally. This adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel follows the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Steven E. de Souza, who wrote the original movie, shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter. He noted some critics’ responses remind him of the backlash the ’87 film faced regarding its ending. Although he hasn’t seen the new version, he has read the script. De Souza believes the plot worked well on paper but feels something went awry during production. “Many reviews mention a stumble at the end,” he said.

De Souza explained that adapting King’s story often requires altering the darker conclusion. “Both versions modify the ending, but we had a smaller budget, making ours simpler,” he remarked. He humorously suggested that maybe a future adaptation will hit the mark perfectly.

Some critics, like David Rooney from THR, have observed that the film seems to cater more to male audiences. With a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many agree that while it’s packed with action, it lacks substance. De Souza expressed his surprise at the lack of marketing aimed at women, pointing out that science fiction traditionally appeals more to male viewers.

Despite the mixed reviews, social media reactions have been nostalgic, with fans sharing favorite moments from both the original and the new versions. De Souza finds this enthusiasm encouraging. “The more people see the new film, the more likely they are to check out the original,” he said.

He also finds it puzzling when creatives express disappointment over reboots of their works. “I’m always happy to see someone else’s take,” he concluded. In an age where reboots are common, it seems some filmmakers embrace the conversation they spark, hoping to inspire a new generation of viewers.

For insight into the shifts in audience perception towards adaptations, check out a recent survey by the Film Society, which highlighted changing demographics in sci-fi and action movie audiences.

Source link

Arnold Schwarzenegger,Edgar Wright,Glen Powell,Paramount Pictures,Reboot,Stephen King,The Running Man