New 'Running Man' Stumbles at Box Office

The recent film adaptation of Stephen King's 'The Running Man' experienced a disappointing debut, securing second place at the domestic box office with $16.5 million and a global total of $28 million. This performance falls short of expectations for the dystopian action flick.

Steven E. de Souza, who penned the 1987 movie and has a credit on the new version, observed that critical reviews for the current film echo some criticisms of the earlier adaptation, particularly concerning its ending. He mentioned that adapting the book's somber conclusion requires significant adjustments, a challenge both film versions have faced, with his own '87 rendition having a simpler execution due to a tighter budget.

Further analysis suggests that the film's underperformance might stem from its marketing strategy, which some believe did not sufficiently appeal to a female audience, as science fiction often skews male. Despite these opening-weekend figures, de Souza expressed hope that the new movie will encourage viewers to revisit the 1987 film, creating a win-win scenario.