After six successful seasons on ‘All American,’ Daniel Ezra is set to tackle a new role Paramount’s reimagining of The Running Man. He stars alongside previously cast Glen Powell and Katy O’Brian, with Edgar Wright directing. Wright, who will also produce the film with his partner Nira Park and Simon Kinberg, co-wrote the script with Michael Bacall.
READ: ‘All American’ Season 7 Loses 5 Series Regulars and Adds 4 to Main Cast
Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, originally published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, Running Man was made famous by the 1987 movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The story is set in a dystopian America in 2025 and revolves around Ben Richards, a desperate man who enters a deadly reality show, The Running Man, to earn money for his gravely ill daughter. Participants, known as “runners,” are hunted down by a team of ruthless killers, all while being broadcast live to a captivated audience.
The 1987 film adaptation of The Running Man became iconic, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, the movie also starred Yaphet Kotto, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Richard Dawson, who played a sinister game show host. The narrative followed a falsely convicted police officer who must compete in a brutal televised game where he fights for his freedom. Despite its mixed reviews, the film resonated with audiences, grossing $38 million at the domestic box office (unadjusted for inflation) and solidifying its place in pop culture history.
As Paramount prepares to release their new adaptation, set to debut on November 21, 2025, it will face competition from Universal’s Wicked: Part Two, creating an exciting box office showdown ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Ezra, best known for his compelling performance in All American, exited his series regular role after six seasons. Ezra, who has portrayed Spencer James since the show’s inception, will continue to be a vital part of the show’s universe, making guest appearances and sitting in the director’s chair for the seventh season.