As Glen Powell prepares to make his mark this fall, the iconic The Running Man, featuring the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, is set to make a vibrant comeback. From July 1, audiences can enjoy this classic 1987 dystopian action film streaming for free on Pluto TV. This presents a perfect opportunity for both nostalgic fans and newcomers to explore the original cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s gripping novel, published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. Initially, The Running Man was marketed as an adrenaline-pumping futuristic thrill ride, starring one of the biggest action heroes in cinematic history. Despite its $27 million budget and $38 million worldwide gross, the film barely broke even — a surprising outcome for Schwarzenegger during his reign in the ’80s. However, with Powell’s upcoming portrayal in Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated remake, the original film is experiencing a resurgence in cultural relevance.

Directed by the talented Paul Michael Glaser of Starsky & Hutch fame, the 1987 rendition of The Running Man deviates significantly from King’s dark narrative. Rather than following a desperate everyman who enters a brutal competition to provide for his family, Schwarzenegger takes on the role of Ben Richards, a police officer wrongfully accused of a massacre and sentenced to execution. His fate? An exhilarating yet horrifying game where he must survive a televised slaughter, pursued by lethal “stalkers” in a deadly arena, all while millions of ecstatic viewers watch in anticipation.

The film evolves into a wild, neon-infused satire that resembles American Gladiators executed on a shoestring budget. Featuring exaggerated villains, including Jesse Ventura, Jim Brown, and Erland Van Lidth, along with memorable cheesy lines and a storyline steeped in the cynicism of the Reagan era, The Running Man might not be considered “faithful” to its source material — yet it undeniably leaves a lasting impression.

Evaluating the Quality of ‘The Running Man’: A Timeless Classic or Just Nostalgia?

Upon its release, The Running Man garnered lukewarm reviews and underwhelming box office revenue. Critics were perplexed by its fusion of satire, visceral gore, and campy action sequences, especially given that it premiered in the same year as the blockbuster hit Predator, which also featured Schwarzenegger but was a major commercial success. In comparison to Schwarzenegger’s impressive string of blockbuster hits, The Running Man fell short, both in audience reception and financial performance.

However, with the benefit of hindsight, it becomes evident that this film was remarkably ahead of its time. As reality television continues to captivate global audiences and concerns about state-controlled media grow increasingly pertinent, The Running Man now resonates as a chilling prophecy — albeit one delivered through vibrant spandex and synth music.

Mark your calendars: The Running Man will begin streaming for free on Pluto TV starting July 1, while Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated remake will hit theaters on November 7.