Hollywood Flashback: Schwarzenegger’s ‘Running Man’ Hit Many Hurdles
The first film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, revisited by Edgar Wright and Glen Powell in a new version releasing on November 14, faced numerous challenges during its production. The original 1987 film experienced a far rougher journey than the new adaptation.
Background and Plot
Based on King’s 1982 novel, the original movie was directed by Paul Michael Glaser and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. He played a police officer falsely accused of murder who must compete for his freedom on a deadly game show, where professional hunters pursue convicted criminals.
Development Challenges
Producer George Linder discovered King’s novel, originally published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, at an airport and initially envisioned it as a role for Christopher Reeve. Eventually, Schwarzenegger took on the lead role.
Screenwriter Steven E. de Souza, known for writing Schwarzenegger’s 1985 film Commando, recalled that the project cycled through multiple directors:
“As the different directors would come in, I would have to do a revision for their vision,” de Souza told The Hollywood Reporter.
Andrew Davis, who later directed the Oscar-winning The Fugitive, was hired but fired just two weeks into shooting due to production delays.
The producers then hired Paul Michael Glaser, best known for his role as Starsky on Starsky & Hutch, who was making his feature directorial debut with this film after directing the 1986 thriller Band of the Hand.
Legacy
The original film’s turbulent production contrasts with the smoother path of the new version, highlighting the challenges that can accompany adapting beloved novels for the screen.
Arnold Schwarzenegger starred as a framed cop fighting for survival in a deadly game show.
Author's Summary: The 1987 film The Running Man faced numerous director changes and production setbacks before Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role was finalized, illustrating the complexities behind classic adaptations.
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