Glen Powell’s ‘The Running Man’ Flops — Discover the Reasons
Paramount’s recent reboot of “The Running Man,” starring rising actor Glen Powell, has struggled significantly at the box office. The film, which had a substantial budget of $110 million, opened to disappointing numbers in both domestic and global markets, earning only $17 million in the U.S. and $28.2 million worldwide during its debut weekend.
Challenges Faced by “The Running Man”
The reboot was launched in a challenging theatrical environment, which is still recuperating from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and labor strikes. Compounding its troubles, “The Running Man” faced strong competition from Lionsgate’s “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” which outperformed expectations with a domestic gross of $21.3 million and a global tally of $75.5 million.
Behind the Scenes Issues
The film’s difficulties have been partially attributed to a managerial transition at Paramount. After a leadership change from Brian Robbins’ team to David Ellison’s, the film’s marketing strategy seemed to falter. The exit of Global Distribution and Marketing Boss Marc Weinstock further complicated the execution of marketing plans. Jamie Goldstine, the new marketing head, didn’t start until mid-October, just before the film’s release.
- Initial Marketing Strategy: Focused on thematic elements, targeting diverse demographics.
- Trailers: The initial trailer’s simplicity failed to resonate, positioning Powell’s character as a lone hero.
- Marketing Budget: Reduced due to unsatisfactory audience diagnostics.
Box Office Turnout
Before the release, projections estimated a $20 million opening for the film. However, this was far from enough to justify such a high production cost. The film, aiming to launch as a franchise, faced setbacks with diminishing advance ticket sales following lukewarm reviews focused on its social satire.
Comparative Performances
Critical reception noted that “The Running Man” received a 64% approval rating, slightly better than “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” which held a 59% rating. Both films received a B+ CinemaScore from audiences, indicating mixed reactions.
Despite its struggles, Glen Powell’s appeal across Middle America provided some balance to the weaknesses in coasts where sci-fi typically thrives. However, the audience’s demographics leaned heavily toward older males, limiting its broader appeal.
Cultural Reflections on Rebooting Classics
The challenges of “The Running Man” reflect broader issues faced by reboots of 1980s sci-fi properties. Recent revivals such as “Tron Ares” and “Blade Runner 2049” have also struggled to connect with today’s audiences. There’s growing skepticism about the viability of recreating nostalgia-driven productions, especially when the original films did not achieve widespread success.
As the movie industry continues adapting to new market dynamics, the fate of “The Running Man” serves as a critical lesson about the risks of rebooting established titles without considering their historical performance and contemporary relevance.
