Thu Jan 15 01:00:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Glen Powell’s “The Running Man” Adaptation Streams on Paramount+ After Lukewarm Theatrical Run

The Story:
The film adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Running Man,” starring Glen Powell, became available on Paramount+ on January 13, 2026. The movie, directed by Edgar Wright, follows the story of Ben Richards (Powell) in a dystopian future where he participates in a deadly game show to provide for his family. The film had a star-studded cast, including Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, and William H. Macy.

The movie was released theatrically on November 14, 2025, by Paramount in 3,534 theaters, grossing $16.5 million during its opening weekend. However, it faced stiff competition and ultimately grossed over $69 million worldwide against a $110 million budget, receiving mixed reviews. This makes its early availability on Paramount+ a strategic move to recoup investment and reach a wider audience.

Key Points:

  • “The Running Man,” starring Glen Powell, began streaming on Paramount+ on January 13, 2026.
  • The film is directed by Edgar Wright and based on Stephen King’s novel published under the Richard Bachman pseudonym.
  • The theatrical release on November 14, 2025, grossed $69 million worldwide against a $110 million budget.
  • The film features a notable cast, including Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, and William H. Macy.
  • The movie is the second feature adaptation of King’s novel, following the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Key Takeaways:

  • The early streaming release suggests Paramount is leveraging its streaming platform to extend the film’s reach after a moderate theatrical performance.
  • The film’s production budget suggests an ambitious project with a significant investment requiring multi-platform income.
  • Mixed reviews combined with box office revenue near the break-even point likely influenced the decision to accelerate the streaming release.

Impact Analysis:

The accelerated streaming release of “The Running Man” has several potential impacts:

  • Paramount+ Subscriber Growth: The film could attract new subscribers to Paramount+ who are fans of Glen Powell, Stephen King, or dystopian thrillers.
  • Recouping Investment: Streaming revenue will contribute to recouping the film’s $110 million budget, potentially making the project profitable overall.
  • Future Film Release Strategy: The performance of “The Running Man” on Paramount+ could influence Paramount’s future decisions on the theatrical window for films with mixed critical reception. If the film performs well on streaming, it may encourage a shorter theatrical window for similar projects in the future.

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