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As anticipation builds for the November 14, 2025 release of Edgar Wright’s highly awaited adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man, fans now have a way to bring the dystopian thrill home. Unlike the 1987 Schwarzenegger classic, Wright’s version promises a darker, more faithful retelling of King’s 1982 novel, exploring social inequality, media manipulation, and the harrowing reality of a deadly nationwide game show. Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, a desperate contestant navigating a perilous 30-day manhunt while professional assassins—and even ordinary citizens—pursue him across the country. The ensemble cast also includes Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, and Michael Cera.
To complement the film’s release, The Vending Lot has launched a comprehensive collection of officially licensed The Running Man (2025) merchandise. From stylish outerwear to unique collectibles, the lineup allows fans to celebrate the movie while embracing practical, high-quality gear. The selection includes everything from the CornerStone® Men’s Duck Cloth Hooded Work Jacket ($159.98–$179.98) to the Champion Unisex Tie-Dye Hoodie ($144.98–$149.98), providing options for every style preference.
Outerwear highlights include the Unisex Quilted Full-Zip Jacket, Realtree® Atlas Colorblock Soft Shell, and a variety of denim and puffer jackets designed to capture the rugged, rebellious spirit of the film’s protagonists. For casual wear, 3/4 sleeve baseball tees, raglan shirts, and Champion-branded T-shirts give fans a way to channel their inner Richards or rebel ally Elton Parrakis. The Vending Lot also offers a full range of caps, beanies, and vintage-style headwear, including the Distressed Dad Hat, Classic Cuffed Beanie, and embroidered Vintage Corduroy Cap, perfect for completing a Running Man-inspired look.
For collectors and enthusiasts, The Vending Lot carries a range of themed accessories such as enamel camping mugs, two-tone coffee mugs, beer steins, and even a Wham-O Frisbee—merchandise that’s both nostalgic and practical. These items allow fans to immerse themselves in the film’s dystopian world while enjoying durable, high-quality products built for everyday use.
With The Running Man (2025) poised to redefine the classic story for modern audiences, The Vending Lot’s merchandise collection offers a tangible way to engage with the film beyond the screen. Whether it’s outerwear, casual apparel, or collectible items, every piece celebrates the movie’s distinctive style and thematic depth, from economic desperation to the adrenaline-fueled intensity of a life-or-death game show.
Fans can browse the full collection and secure their favorite items directly through The Vending Lot’s Running Man merchandise page. From apparel to collectibles, this is the definitive destination for The Running Man (2025) enthusiasts looking to gear up for one of the most talked-about films of the year.
The Vending Lot continues to be a go-to source for film-inspired collectibles and apparel, merging pop culture, quality craftsmanship, and a sense of fandom into every product. With The Running Man (2025) merchandise, fans now have the perfect way to celebrate Edgar Wright’s cinematic return to King’s iconic dystopia.
Key differences between the 1987 and 2025 adaptations
| Feature | 1987 Adaptation | 2025 Adaptation (Based on trailers and reports) |
|---|---|---|
| Source material | A very loose adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, with many elements heavily altered to fit Schwarzenegger’s action hero persona. | A much more faithful adaptation of the novel, which director Edgar Wright has stated was “crying out to be adapted” more accurately. |
| Tone | Features a campy, over-the-top, and satirical tone that heavily leans into ’80s action conventions. | Reflects the darker, more brutal, and socially conscious themes of the original book. It emphasizes economic desperation and social inequality. |
| Protagonist | Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a muscular former police helicopter pilot, framed by the government for a massacre he refused to commit. He is a classic ’80s action hero. | Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is a more ordinary, down-on-his-luck man. He volunteers for the deadly game out of desperation to earn money for his sick daughter, just as in the novel. |
| Game show setting | The game takes place within a controlled, closed-off “game grid” where contestants face off against professional stalkers in a series of choreographed fights. | The game is a nationwide and month-long manhunt in the real world. Contestants run through different environments across the country and are pursued by a network of both professional “Hunters” and regular citizens looking to earn cash. |
| Hunters | The hunters are flamboyant, costumed professional wrestlers with colorful personas and exaggerated weapons, such as Subzero and Captain Freedom. | The lead hunter, Evan McCone (Lee Pace), is a more sinister, ghost-like figure with a covered mask, similar to how he is described in the novel. |
| Game show management | A single character, Damon Killian (Richard Dawson), acts as both the charismatic on-stage host and the show’s producer. | The roles are split between two characters, reflecting the book more accurately. Josh Brolin plays the conniving producer Dan Killian, while Colman Domingo plays the flashy host, Bobby Thompson. |
| Supporting characters | Features original characters like Maria Conchita Alonso’s Amber Mendez, who serves as a sidekick and love interest. | Incorporates characters directly from the book, such as Michael Cera’s character Elton Parrakis, who is a rebel ally. |
| Action and style | The action sequences are large, explosive, and often comedic, with Schwarzenegger delivering one-liners. | The action is designed to be more kinetic, frantic, and realistic, with director Edgar Wright’s distinctive, stylized approach. |
| Prophecy vs. modern relevance | The 1987 film, though prophetic about reality TV, feels distinctly ’80s in its approach and campiness. | The 2025 film’s grittier tone and focus on inequality, media manipulation, and mass desperation are even more relevant to today’s social and political landscape. |