Get ready to quench your thirst for adrenaline and controversy because Liquid Death has officially partnered with the highly anticipated Running Man remake, and it’s already sparking debates. Four years after Edgar Wright was announced as the director of this reimagined adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel (written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym), the film is finally hitting theaters on November 14th. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t your 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger version, which barely scratched the surface of King’s dark vision. Wright’s take promises to stay truer to the source material, and with Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Hit Man) in the lead as Ben Richards, expectations are sky-high. Filming wrapped earlier this year, and now, Liquid Death is stepping in as the official beverage of the movie, complete with a hilarious commercial featuring Colman Domingo as his character Bobby T. Watch it below—it’s worth the laugh.
But let’s dive into the story. King’s novel paints a chilling picture of 2025 America, where reality TV has devolved into a literal life-or-death game. Ben Richards, desperate to save his ailing daughter, enters The Running Man, a show where contestants must evade professional assassins for 30 days while the world watches—and profits. The new film adaptation mirrors this premise, adding layers of societal critique and high-stakes action. Ben’s defiance turns him into a fan favorite, but it also makes him a threat to the system. And this is the part most people miss: the story isn’t just about survival; it’s a scathing commentary on media exploitation and humanity’s thirst for spectacle. Is it too on-the-nose for today’s reality TV culture, or is it a necessary mirror? Let’s debate that in the comments.
During a Happy Sad Confused podcast, Wright admitted he was drawn to the project because the original Schwarzenegger film strayed so far from the book. ‘Nobody’s [done] that book,’ he said, emphasizing his desire to adapt it faithfully. Of course, that’s no small feat, but with a script co-written by Michael Bacall and a star-studded cast, Wright seems up to the challenge. Joining Powell are Josh Brolin as the ruthless producer Dan Killian, Katy O’Brian as a fellow contestant, and Lee Pace as a relentless hunter. Michael Cera plays a naïve rebel, while Emilia Jones portrays a privileged woman oblivious to government oppression. Colman Domingo steals the show as the charismatic yet sinister host, and Chi Lewis-Parry, a former MMA fighter, adds physical intensity as a runner. William H. Macy and Jayme Lawson round out the cast in undisclosed roles.
Here’s the controversial question: Does pairing a dystopian thriller like The Running Man with a brand like Liquid Death cheapen the film’s message, or is it a clever way to engage modern audiences? Liquid Death’s edgy marketing aligns with the movie’s tone, but some might argue it’s a distraction. What do you think? Will you be sipping Liquid Death while watching The Running Man? Or does the partnership feel like a misstep? Let us know in the comments below. And while you’re at it, tell us: Are you excited for this adaptation, or do you think some stories are better left untouched?
About the Author:
Horror and Movie News Enthusiast with a soft spot for '80s slashers, dystopian thrillers, and anything Stephen King. Favorite films include the Friday the 13th franchise, George A. Romero’s Dead trilogy, and Back to the Future. When not writing, you’ll find me debating the merits of grindhouse cinema or planning my next trip to Brazil.
