MOVIE NEWS – “Let Stephen King criticize you” could well become a Hollywood catchphrase—in a good way.

“Let Stephen King criticize you” could well become a Hollywood catchphrase—in a good way. One of today’s most popular authors recently wrote, tersely but enthusiastically, that Black Phone 2 is better than the first film, and the quote spread across the internet. King had a family stake in that case, since the film was based on a short story by his son, who writes as Joe Hill, and the talented son even co-wrote the screenplay.

Now King has high praise for The Running Man. He might feel a touch of bias here too, as the film is based on his 1982 novel, published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. This is the second adaptation: the story was first filmed with Arnold Schwarzenegger, stripped down into a brutal yet well-made action movie from the author’s grim dystopia. King wasn’t a fan of that version—unlike the new one.

The master posted the trailer on his social channels with the line: “By the way: I’ve seen it and it’s fantastic. Die Hard for our times. A lean, breathless thrill ride.”
In The Running Man, Glenn Powell’s character signs up for a live-broadcast survival show to win a billion-dollar prize to treat his sick daughter. The catch is that survival isn’t actually possible: professional killers hunt the contestant while a bloodthirsty public does everything it can to make sure he meets a grisly end.

(The Running Man – Hungarian release: November 13, 2025)

Source: UIP Dunafilm