Get ready to quench your thirst for adrenaline and controversy, because Liquid Death has just been crowned the official beverage of the highly anticipated Running Man remake! But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this partnership a genius marketing move or a dystopian reflection of the film’s grim, reality-TV-obsessed world? Let’s dive in.
Four years ago, fans of Stephen King’s chilling novel The Running Man (penned under his Richard Bachman pseudonym) rejoiced when Edgar Wright signed on to direct a fresh adaptation. The 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, while iconic, barely scratched the surface of King’s dark vision. Fast forward to today, and Wright’s version is finally hitting theaters on November 14th, starring Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Hit Man) as the desperate yet resilient Ben Richards. Filming wrapped earlier this year, and the buzz is palpable—especially with Liquid Death now officially in the mix. Yes, you read that right: the canned water brand has teamed up with the film, even releasing a commercial featuring Colman Domingo as his character Bobby T., the charismatic host of the deadly game show. Watch it below—it’s as bold and unapologetic as the brand itself.
And this is the part most people miss: King’s novel isn’t just a thriller; it’s a scathing critique of a society where reality TV has spiraled into a life-or-death spectacle. Set in 2025, the story follows Ben Richards, a man pushed to the brink by his daughter’s illness, who enters The Running Man—a game show where contestants flee professional assassins for 30 days, all while the world watches. The new film stays true to this premise, adding layers of defiance and grit to Ben’s character, turning him into an unlikely hero and a thorn in the side of the system. With Josh Brolin as the ruthless producer Dan Killian and a star-studded cast including Katy O’Brian, Lee Pace, and Michael Cera, this adaptation promises to be both thrilling and thought-provoking.
During a Happy Sad Confused podcast interview, Wright admitted his passion for the project stemmed from the original book’s untapped potential. ‘I like the film, but I like the book more, and they didn’t really adapt the book,’ he said. ‘Nobody’s [done] that book.’ Bold words, but with Wright at the helm—co-writing the script with Michael Bacall and producing alongside Nira Park and Simon Kinberg—expect a faithful yet innovative take on King’s vision.
Here’s the controversial question: Does Liquid Death’s partnership with The Running Man enhance the film’s dark satire, or does it blur the line between art and commercialization? After all, the brand’s edgy marketing style aligns eerily well with the film’s critique of consumerism and spectacle culture. Is this a match made in heaven, or a mirror held up to our own society’s obsessions?
The cast is a who’s-who of talent, from Emilia Jones as a privileged yet oblivious citizen to Chi Lewis-Parry, a towering former MMA fighter playing a runner. Even William H. Macy makes an appearance, though details about his role remain under wraps. With such a powerhouse lineup, the film is poised to be more than just a remake—it’s a cultural statement.
So, will you be sipping Liquid Death while watching The Running Man? And more importantly, what do you think of this partnership? Does it elevate the film’s message, or is it just another example of brands capitalizing on pop culture? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this bold collaboration.
