Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the fascinating story behind the cult classic sci-fi thriller, The Running Man! This film, a precursor to modern dystopian tales like The Hunger Games, offers a glimpse into a future where entertainment is a cruel game, and corporate America pulls the strings. But here's the twist: the government and the TV station are one and the same, a concept that's both intriguing and terrifying. With the highly anticipated remake by Edgar Wright on the horizon, it's time to unravel the journey of the original.
The path to creating The Running Man was anything but smooth. Multiple directors and actors came and went, each bringing their unique vision. There were delays, lawsuits, and even a controversial use of what we now call deepfake technology, which left test audiences baffled and led to reshoots. It's a story of creative struggles and the pursuit of the perfect dystopian vision.
The origins of the film adaptation are not what you might expect. It wasn't the star power of Arnold Schwarzenegger or the allure of Stephen King's name that sparked its creation. Instead, it all began with a chance encounter at an airport bookstore. In 1982, Paul Linder, the owner of a successful wheelchair supply company, stumbled upon a copy of The Running Man by Richard Bachman (a.k.a. Stephen King). The tagline, a haunting vision of America's future, resonated with him, and he decided to take a leap of faith and adapt it into a movie.
Linder's journey to secure the rights was an eye-opener. He was shocked to learn that the publisher demanded a hefty upfront fee and an even larger sum if the film was produced. With only four published works and a limited print run, Bachman's books didn't seem to justify such a cost. But Linder was determined, and he soon found himself working with the experienced team of Rob Cohen and Keith Barish.
The producers were excited about the project but had their reservations about the rights' cost. That is, until a bookseller in Washington DC revealed the secret identity of Richard Bachman as Stephen King. Linder described the moment as finding a Rembrandt in a K-Mart. The team was convinced that King's name would be a powerful draw, but King himself had other ideas. He refused to allow his name to be used, and the producers had to adapt their strategy.
With the rights secured, the team developed a 30-page treatment that stayed closer to King's original dystopian vision. The main character, Ben Richards, was initially envisioned as an everyman, a far cry from the Austrian Oak himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Christopher Reeve was considered for the role, but without King's name, a bigger star was needed.
Dolph Lundgren and Patrick Swayze were also in the running before Schwarzenegger signed on. This decision led to a significant rewrite of the screenplay by Steven E. de Souza. The character of Ben Richards evolved from a meek, desperate man to an action-packed superhero, tailored to Arnie's strengths. The script underwent fifteen drafts before de Souza found the right balance, focusing on the lead star's capabilities.
The stalkers, originally nameless mercenaries, were given unique personalities and gimmicks, creating a diverse cast of intimidating warriors. The casting process brought together a unique group of actors, including Jim Brown, Jesse 'The Body' Ventura, and Erland Van Lidth, a classically trained opera singer. On Richards' side were Yaphet Kotto, Marvin McIntyre, Maria Conchita Alonso, and even Mick Fleetwood, who some fans believe played himself.
The real villain, Damon Killian, was a combination of two characters from the book. Originally offered to Burt Reynolds, the role was eventually taken by Richard Dawson, a suggestion from Schwarzenegger himself. Dawson, known for hosting Family Feud, brought a unique presence to the film.
Finding a director was a challenge. George P. Cosmatos, fresh from his success with Rambo: First Blood Part II, was initially hired but soon departed due to creative differences. The film was offered to several directors, including Alex Cox, Carl Schenkel, and Ferdinand Fairfax, but none of them worked out. Finally, Andrew Davis, a longtime cinematographer, was brought on board.
Davis' tenure was short-lived. He was fired after just eight days of filming due to budget and schedule overruns. The producers then turned to Paul Michael Glaser, an actor-turned-director known for Starsky and Hutch. Glaser, recommended by Michael Mann, brought the film back on track, shooting fast and efficiently.
The film's release was not without its controversies. Test audiences were confused by a deepfake sequence, which was later re-edited to clarify the plot. But the biggest hurdle was the scheduling. Arnold Schwarzenegger, concerned about his recent box office failures, didn't want to compete against himself, so the release date was moved from summer to November.
The Running Man was released on November 13, 1987, and while it initially performed well, it soon lost steam. Critics were mixed, and the film was even sued for plagiarism by the producers of the French film Le Prix Du Danger. Despite its rocky start, The Running Man has since gained a dedicated fan base. Let's hope Edgar Wright's remake can build on this legacy and avoid the pitfalls of the original.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for Wright's take on this dystopian classic? And do you think The Running Man's legacy will be enhanced or overshadowed by the remake? Let's discuss in the comments!
