Edgar Wright Reveals Why He Swapped Out The Running Man’s Ending
Edgar Wright opens up about the decision to alter the ending of his 2025 adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man. Find out what drove the change and how it shapes the film’s message.
Warning: This article contains major spoilers for 2025’s The Running Man. Edgar Wright, who co-wrote and directed the much-anticipated action flick The Running Man, has finally shed light on why the film’s finale takes a different turn from Stephen King’s original 1982 novel. The adaptation, set in a grim future, follows Ben Richards, a reality TV contestant fighting for survival. While the film’s conclusion isn’t exactly a fairy tale for Richards, it does offer a more hopeful note for the character, who’s been through the wringer.
Changing the Story’s Tone
Fans of King’s book will remember that the original ending was far darker and more unsettling. Wright, from the get-go, was aware that this part of the story would need a rethink for the big screen. The director explained that the book’s conclusion, while powerful, might not sit well with today’s audiences or fit the tone he wanted for the film. Instead, he aimed to give viewers something that, while not sugar-coated, left a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Richards.
Adapting for a New Audience
Wright’s approach to the adaptation was shaped by the need to balance respect for King’s work with the expectations of modern punters. The original ending, which is pretty bleak, was swapped out for one that still packs a punch but doesn’t leave everyone feeling gutted. Wright reckons that while it’s important to stay true to the spirit of the source material, a film has to stand on its own feet and connect with its audience in the here and now.
Crafting a Satisfying Finish
In the end, the film’s new conclusion gives Richards a sense of victory, even if it’s not the one he set out for. Wright’s decision was all about finding the right balance between honouring King’s vision and delivering a story that resonates with today’s viewers. The result is a finale that, while not perfect for the main character, offers a glimmer of hope and a nod to the resilience of the human spirit.