Hollywood Flashback: Schwarzenegger’s ‘Running Man’ Faced Many Challenges
The first film adaptation of Stephen King's novel, relayed by Edgar Wright and Glen Powell in the upcoming version premiering November 14, encountered significant difficulties during production. The original movie, directed by Paul Michael Glaser, faced a much tougher journey than the new adaptation.
Plot and Casting
The 1987 dystopian film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as a framed police officer who must fight for his freedom on a deadly game show where professional hunters pursue convicted criminals. Producer George Linder discovered King’s novel—published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman—while at an airport and initially envisioned Christopher Reeve in the lead role. However, Schwarzenegger ultimately secured the part.
Director Changes and Production Troubles
Screenwriter Steven E. de Souza, known for writing several Schwarzenegger films including Commando, recalled multiple director changes throughout the project.
“As the different directors would come in, I would have to do a revision for their vision,” said de Souza, known for 48 Hrs., Die Hard, and Street Fighter, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Andrew Davis, who later directed the Oscar-winning The Fugitive, was initially brought on but was fired two weeks into filming due to falling behind schedule. Producers then appointed Paul Michael Glaser, best known for his TV role as Starsky in Starsky & Hutch, as director. Glaser had previously made his feature directing debut with the 1986 thriller Band of the Hand.
Summary
The original The Running Man film encountered director switches and production delays before Arnold Schwarzenegger's role cemented, reflecting a turbulent process behind the dystopian action classic.
“Producer George Linder was at an airport when he picked up King’s book, published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, and envisioned it as a vehicle for Christopher Reeve.”
Author’s note: The making of Schwarzenegger’s 1987 Running Man reveals how a troubled production can still deliver a memorable sci-fi action film.
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