Hollywood Flashback: Schwarzenegger’s ‘Running Man’ Hit Lots of Hurdles
The first film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, revisited by Edgar Wright and Glen Powell in a new version releasing on Nov. 14, faced a difficult production journey. The original 1987 movie had a far bumpier road than its upcoming counterpart.
Based on King’s 1982 novel written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, The Running Man featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as a framed police officer forced to compete for freedom in a deadly game show where convicted criminals are hunted by professional killers.
Production Challenges and Director Turnover
Producer George Linder discovered King’s book at an airport and originally envisioned it as a starring vehicle for Christopher Reeve. However, Schwarzenegger eventually secured the role.
Screenwriter Steven E. de Souza, known for writing Commando, 48 Hrs., Die Hard, and Street Fighter, recalls the project cycling through several directors.
“As the different directors would come in, I would have to do a revision for their vision,” said de Souza to The Hollywood Reporter.
Filmmaker Andrew Davis, who later directed the Oscar-winning The Fugitive, was initially hired but was fired two weeks into shooting due to delays. The producers then hired Paul Michael Glaser, best known for playing Starsky in TV’s Starsky & Hutch, who was making his feature directorial debut with the 1986 thriller Band of the Hand.
Summary
This film’s troubled production with multiple director changes and shifting visions showcases the hurdles faced bringing Stephen King’s novel to the screen.
Author’s note: The journey of adapting The Running Man highlights how challenging it can be to balance creative visions and logistical issues in filmmaking.