Glen Powell’s The Running Man Features Subtle Nod to Stephen King’s It

The latest film adaptation of a Stephen King novel, The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, includes a clever reference to another of King’s iconic works, It. This new rendition, starring Glen Powell, diverges from the 1987 movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and instead aims for a more faithful interpretation of King’s original 1982 book, published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman.

Set in a grim dystopian future, The Running Man follows the story of Ben Richards, played by Powell. In this world, Richards is compelled to participate in a deadly game show where he is hunted across America, not only for entertainment but also to win money for his daughter’s medical treatment. This premise differs significantly from the action-packed arenas showcased in the earlier film.

As Richards navigates this treacherous landscape, he finds temporary refuge in the fictional town of Derry, a familiar location in King’s universe. In a nod to fans of horror, the film alludes to It, which is particularly timely, given that It: Welcome to Derry is currently streaming on HBO.

While Richards does not face off against Pennywise, the malevolent clown from It, the brief appearance of Derry serves as a subtle acknowledgement of King’s broader literary world. The film does not delve deeply into the town’s history or its notorious reputation, maintaining the focus on the action-driven narrative.

Richards arrives in Derry after fleeing from Boston, where he allies himself with Elton Perrakis, portrayed by Michael Cera. Perrakis, a left-wing organizer, strives to keep Richards alive as a symbol of resistance against the oppressive regime of the FreeVee network.

The depiction of Derry hints at its deteriorating state within this dystopian setting. Dialogue reveals that the town is suffering from significant economic and social challenges, exacerbated by the corporate dominance of this future world. The local police have been absorbed into the security apparatus of FreeVee, and the natural landscape surrounding Derry has been decimated for new housing projects.

While the film does not explore the town’s connection to the events of It, it presents a bleak image of Derry, suggesting that the remnants of its once-vibrant community are now overshadowed by the struggles of its residents.

After viewing The Running Man, audiences may wish to explore other adaptations of Stephen King’s works, as well as the best science-fiction films of all time. The subtle reference to Derry enhances the film’s connection to King’s rich storytelling and underscores the ongoing impact of his narratives in contemporary cinema.

In summary, The Running Man not only entertains with its action and suspense but also weaves in a thoughtful nod to the expansive universe created by Stephen King, particularly as It: Welcome to Derry continues to engage horror fans with its weekly episodes.