Why bother reimagining beloved science fiction films from the 80s and 90s? Historically, such endeavors have not yielded favorable outcomes. Len Wiseman’s 2012 adaptation of Total Recall, featuring Colin Farrell in lieu of Arnold Schwarzenegger, failed to capture the essence of the original directed by Paul Verhoeven. Wiseman’s version fell short of the mutant-infested Mars setting that characterized the classic. Similarly, José Padilha’s 2014 remake of RoboCop, despite a talented cast, diluted the corporate satire and action-packed intensity that defined the original masterpiece by Verhoeven.
Given this track record, the announcement of another remake of an Arnold Schwarzenegger classic, 1987’s The Running Man, may raise eyebrows. However, the prospect of revisiting the dystopian landscape of future Los Angeles under the direction of Edgar Wright brings a glimmer of hope. Unlike a mercenary filmmaker motivated solely by financial gain, Wright’s artistic integrity promises a fresh perspective on this narrative. The original film by Paul Michael Glaser has faded from memory, remembered mostly for Schwarzenegger’s cheesy one-liners rather than its cinematic impact.
Wright’s adaptation reportedly draws inspiration from Stephen King’s 1982 novel, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, diverging from Glaser’s campy interpretation. This departure from the conventional approach is where the remake’s potential lies. Wright, known for his innovative filmmaking style, from pioneering the zombie romantic comedy genre with Shaun of the Dead to revitalizing psychological horror in Last Night in Soho, is expected to infuse The Running Man with his distinctive flair.
In a recent interview, Wright expressed his eagerness to tackle this project, emphasizing the divergence of Glaser’s film from the original source material. His vision for the adaptation aligns more closely with King’s narrative, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar story. The novel delves into societal issues, portraying a future where the impoverished are compelled to participate in a life-threatening game for a chance to escape poverty. This thematic depth contrasts with Glaser’s portrayal of a police officer coerced into a deadly game show scenario.
With ample material for social commentary, Wright’s remake is poised to critique societal failings, particularly America’s struggles to support its marginalized populations. While the new version may eschew the excessive violence and cheesy humor of its predecessor, it promises a more intellectually stimulating and socially relevant narrative.