Racing Against Expectations: The Running Man (2025)'s Early Reviews Cross the Finish Line

The Running Man (2025)'s Early Reviews have begun rolling in after the film's world premiere at Leicester Square on November 5, 2025, offering a mixed sprint through Edgar Wright's high-octane reboot of Stephen King's dystopian tale.

Starring Glen Powell as the wrongly convicted Ben Richards, the thriller updates the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger classic with a focus on reality TV's dark underbelly, set for wide release on November 14, 2025.

Critics praise its visual flair and Powell's charisma, yet question its depth in a timely but uneven package.

What Do the Aggregate Scores Reveal?

Early aggregates paint a picture of solid but not spectacular reception for The Running Man (2025).

On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 62% Tomatometer score based on 69 reviews, earning a "Fresh" designation amid divided opinions.

Metacritic assigns a 59 out of 100, categorized as mixed or average from 30 critics, reflecting praise for energy alongside critiques of predictability.

These numbers position it below Wright's Baby Driver (91% RT) but above the original's 67% RT.

The scores suggest a film that entertains without fully innovating, with audience scores pending as verified ratings trickle in post-premiere.

How Does Glen Powell Perform as Ben Richards?

Glen Powell emerges as a standout in The Running Man (2025)'s Early Reviews, with critics lauding his everyman appeal in a role demanding grit and vulnerability.

Roger Ebert's Matt Zoller Seitz gives 2.5 out of 4 stars, noting Powell's ability to fuel the "endorphin rush" through relentless pursuit. Rolling Stone highlights him as an "ace in the hole," crediting his alpha-charisma for anchoring the chaos.

However, some reviews, like SlashFilm's, argue his charm can't fully salvage inconsistencies, rating it lower for stranding him amid weak characterizations.

Overall, Powell's turn draws comparisons to his Twisters breakout, boosting the film's commercial prospects.

What Stands Out in Edgar Wright's Direction?

Edgar Wright's signature style infuses The Running Man (2025) with kinetic editing and pop-infused sequences, a point of consensus in early critiques.

Deadline calls it an "impressively muscular reboot," appreciating the fidelity to King's novel over the '80s film's camp. IGN deems the timing "perfect," aligning Wright's wit with 2025's media satire.

Yet, Variety labels it "overelaborate," suggesting the elaborate visuals overwhelm the narrative. The AV Club questions its relevance, scoring it middling for faithfulness without fresh bite.

Wright's direction earns kudos for spectacle but mixed marks for emotional resonance.

Which Elements Divide Critics Most?

The Running Man (2025)'s Early Reviews split on its thematic bite and pacing. The Hollywood Reporter faults it for seldom raising the pulse despite Powell's efforts, while Toronto Star's Adam Nayman critiques the tonal mismatch between Wright's uplift and King's melancholy.

Mashable dubs it a "sloppy collage" of violence and jokes, emphasizing style over substance.

On the positive, Empire and Collider both award 80 out of 100 on Metacritic, praising the action cheese and cultural nods.

The Telegraph's perfect 100 celebrates its predictive edge, though many agree it feels drably familiar for today's audience.

Some Closing Thoughts

The Running Man (2025)'s Early Reviews capture a film in motion: thrilling in bursts, familiar in stride, and propelled by Powell's star power.

While it may not redefine dystopian thrillers, its blend of Wright's flair and King's prescience ensures a worthy revival.

As opening weekend nears, these initial takes hint at crowd-pleasing potential amid critical caution.

So, are you as pumped for The Running Man (2025) as us? Let us know in the comments section down below!