Greetings, Flikbak TV fanatics! Revisiting The Running Man (1987) and Gearing Up for the Remake. Hold onto your oversized shoulder pads and neon headbands, because today we’re diving into a true 80s gem: The Running Man (1987). This action-packed sci-fi flick starring Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a full-fledged cult classic with a devoted following.
But Why Cult Classic Status?
The Running Man checks all the boxes for cult classic glory:
- Schwarzenegger in his Prime: This was peak Arnold – all bulging muscles, one-liners, and witty banter. He perfectly embodies Ben Richards, a wrongly convicted man forced to compete in a deadly televised game show.
- A Dystopian Twist: The film paints a dark picture of a future America ravaged by economic collapse. The Running Man, a televised gladiator-style competition, serves as a brutal form of entertainment for the masses. This social commentary adds depth to the action-heavy narrative.
- Over-the-Top Action: Explosions, laser fights, and ridiculous contraptions wielded by cyborg villains – The Running Man delivers the action in glorious 80s excess.
- Cheese Factor: Let’s be honest, the film isn’t exactly known for its nuanced plot. But that’s part of its charm. The over-the-top dialogue and cheesy special effects add to the campy fun.
A Blast from the Past: The Original’s Legacy
The Running Man might not have been a critical darling upon release, but it resonated with audiences. The film captured the zeitgeist of the 80s with its fascination with dystopian futures, reality television, and, of course, all things Arnold. It developed a dedicated cult following, spawning fan theories, memes, and even inspiring a line of action figures.
Did You Know? While the film takes heavy liberties with the source material, The Running Man is loosely based on a novel of the same name written by the legendary horror author Stephen King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.
Here Comes the Future: The Edgar Wright Remake
The news sent shockwaves through the cult classic fandom – a remake of The Running Man is on the horizon! Acclaimed director Edgar Wright (known for films like Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) is set to helm the project. Wright, known for his sharp wit and stylish action sequences, seems like a perfect fit to breathe new life into this 80s classic.
Who’s Taking Over the Games?
Stepping into the iconic role of Ben Richards will be Glen Powell, a rising star who recently impressed audiences in Top Gun: Maverick. Powell brings a youthful energy to the character, while hopefully retaining the charm and charisma of the original.
A Flikbak Tv Fan’s Dream?
The Edgar Wright remake has the potential to be a nostalgic treat for Flikbak TV viewers who cherish the original film. With Wright’s unique vision and Powell’s charisma, this remake could introduce The Running Man to a whole new generation of fans, ensuring its cult classic status continues for decades to come.
Revisiting The Running Man (1987) and Gearing Up for the Remake. Will the remake live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, Flikbak TV will be here to cover it all! Share your thoughts on the original The Running Man and your hopes for the remake in the comments below!
Further Reading:
- Watch The Running Man on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/3TVlKy9
- The Running Man (1987) Review on Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/running_man
- From Bachman to Blockbuster: Exploring Stephen King’s The Running Man Novel: https://amzn.to/3VW8N9J
- Welcome to the Thunderdome: Behind the Scenes of The Running Man on Den of Geek: https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/stephen-kings-the-running-man-was-a-film-ahead-of-its-time/