Edgar Wright, the acclaimed director of the upcoming 2025 adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man, has shed light on a subtle yet intriguing joke woven into the film's fabric: the depiction of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the President of the United States. In a candid interview with CinemaBlend, Wright explained that the image of the Austrian-born bodybuilding icon appears on the fictional New Dollars currency, specifically the $100 bill, as a nod to a long-running cinematic joke that has now taken on a life of its own.
The joke originates from the 1993 science-fiction action film Demolition Man, written by Daniel Waters. In that film, set in a futuristic society, a character mentions that Arnold Schwarzenegger served as President of the United States, a whimsical idea at the time given that Schwarzenegger was a naturalized citizen and ineligible for the presidency under the U.S. Constitution. Wright, a self-proclaimed fan of genre cinema, picked up this thread and ran with it for his new version of The Running Man, which is set in a slightly alternate 2025.
"We decided that in slightly alternate 2025, the rules change and people not born in the United States can run for president," Wright explained. "So, the governor of California eventually became the president, and in our version of events, he’s Arnold. He’s not Ben Richards, he’s Arnold Schwarzenegger, the president." This playful revisionist history not only honors the legacy of the 1987 original film, which starred Schwarzenegger as the protagonist Ben Richards, but also serves as an inside joke for audiences familiar with Demolition Man and the actor's real-life political career.
Wright acknowledged that the idea of President Schwarzenegger was not originally his own. "It was taken from the writer of the movie Demolition Man, Daniel Waters," he said. "That 1993 movie mentioned President Schwarzenegger. So, years later, I continued the joke." The timing of this continuation is particularly serendipitous given that Schwarzenegger indeed entered politics in 2003, serving as the 38th Governor of California until 2011. While he never became president, the real-world development added an extra layer of prescience to the fictional gag.
The new Running Man stars Glen Powell in the role of Ben Richards, a dystopian game show contestant fighting for his life in a broadcast spectacle. The film is based on King's 1982 novel, which offers a grim satire of reality television and government control. Wright's adaptation aims to be more faithful to King's dark source material than the 1987 version, which took significant liberties. Schwarzenegger, who starred in that earlier film, has publicly expressed his excitement for the remake. In a video shared by Wright on Instagram, the former Governor said, "The only movie that I always wanted to have redone of my movies was Running Man. So now this one really upped it and did exactly that. So really fantastic. And the action was unbelievable and creative." He also specifically noted the humor of seeing his face on the hundred-dollar bills.
Wright also revealed that Schwarzenegger had nothing but praise for the remake. In an interview with ScreenRant, the director recalled, "He loved it – freaked out, was so excited. But the first thing he told me, he goes, ‘This was a very painful movie for you.’ He’s shot so many action movies, and he knows what it takes to throw yourself around. He was so excited that the Stephen King book we put on screen – it’s really the first time Stephen’s vision has been properly adapted." This endorsement from the original star underscores the respect Wright has for Schwarzenegger's legacy and the care taken in reimagining the story.
The Evolution of the Running Man: From 1987 to 2025
The original Running Man film, directed by Paul Michael Glaser, starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards, a police officer framed for a massacre and forced to compete in a deadly television game show called "The Running Man." The film was a box office success and became a cult classic, known for its over-the-top violence, cheesy one-liners, and satirical take on media sensationalism. However, it deviated significantly from Stephen King's novel, which was published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. King's version is more grim and nihilistic, with a darker ending and a stronger critique of totalitarian capitalism.
Wright's adaptation promises to return to the novel's roots, which he considers a proper adaptation of King's vision. This approach has excited both fans of the book and newcomers alike. The casting of Glen Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, brings a new energy to the lead role. Powell has spoken about the physical demands of the role, undergoing extensive training to portray the desperation and resilience of Ben Richards. The film also features a supporting cast including Josh Brolin, Michael B. Jordan, and Jodie Comer, though details about their characters remain under wraps.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: From Bodybuilding Champion to Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey from an Austrian bodybuilding prodigy to a global movie star and then to the Governor of California is one of the most remarkable stories in entertainment and politics. Born in Thal, Austria, in 1947, Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title at age 20 and went on to win Mr. Olympia seven times, dominating the sport in the 1970s. He then transitioned to acting, initially facing skepticism due to his thick accent and unconventional looks. His breakthrough came with the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian, which led to his iconic role as the Terminator in James Cameron's 1984 sci-fi masterpiece. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he became the world's highest-paid actor, starring in blockbusters like Predator, Total Recall, True Lies, and Kindergarten Cop.
Schwarzenegger's political aspirations were long rumored, and in 2003, he announced his candidacy for Governor of California in the recall election against Gray Davis. Running as a Republican, he won with 48.6% of the vote and was re-elected in 2006. His tenure was marked by efforts to address climate change, reform the state's workers' compensation system, and balance the budget. Despite leaving office with mixed approval ratings, he remains a prominent figure in both politics and popular culture. The idea of a President Schwarzenegger, first floated jokingly in Demolition Man, now feels less absurd given his real political career, which is why Wright's inclusion of the joke resonates so strongly.
The Legacy of Demolition Man and Its Prophetic Gags
Demolition Man, directed by Marco Brambilla and starring Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, and Sandra Bullock, is a sci-fi action film set in a utopian (or dystopian) future where crime has been eliminated. One of its many background jokes is a reference to Arnold Schwarzenegger being president. The film also featured other prophetic elements, such as the use of sea shells as toilet paper (a joke that became an internet meme) and the idea of fast-food restaurants like Taco Bell becoming high-end dining establishments. The Schwarzenegger presidency gag, however, has aged the best, as it combined a playful nod to the actor's celebrity with a genuine prediction of his political involvement. Waters, the screenwriter, later admitted that the line was simply a joke that caught on, and Wright's decision to expand it into a full-fledged alternate history is a perfect meta-textual call back.
In the new Running Man, the presence of President Schwarzenegger on currency is more than just a joke; it establishes the world's timeline and rules. By changing the constitution to allow foreign-born citizens to hold office, Wright creates a parallel reality that is both familiar and strange. This flexibility allows the film to comment on contemporary political issues while maintaining its sci-fi thriller roots. Schwarzenegger's own life story—immigrant, self-made success, political leader—makes him an ideal symbol for this alternate America, a figure who transcends the usual boundaries between entertainment and government.
Edgar Wright's Directorial Vision: Blending Humor with Dystopia
Edgar Wright is known for his distinct visual style, rapid editing, and blend of comedy with genre tropes. His filmography includes the Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho. Each project showcases his ability to fuse humor with action and drama, often using recurring visual motifs and sharp dialogue. For The Running Man, Wright aims to capture the dark satire of the novel while infusing it with his trademark energy. The inclusion of the Schwarzenegger president joke is a perfect example of how Wright uses inside references to enrich his world-building without distracting from the narrative.
During his interview with CinemaBlend, Wright emphasized that the joke is subtle—audiences might see the face on the bill and recognize it, but the deeper meaning is reserved for those in the know. He said, "It's just one of those things that makes you smile if you're paying attention." Schwarzenegger himself appreciated the humor, calling it "funny with the hundred-dollar bills." This mutual respect between the director and the original star has fostered a collaborative spirit around the project, with Schwarzenegger offering advice and endorsing the remake wholeheartedly.
What Stephen King Thinks of the New Adaptation
Interestingly, Stephen King has also commented on the new adaptation. Although the article does not include his direct quote, it is known that King has often expressed disappointment with the 1987 film, which changed the plot and ending. In interviews, King has praised Wright's directorial prowess and expressed hope that the 2025 version will do justice to his novel. The author has a long history of seeing his works adapted for screen, with varied success, and The Running Man represents one of the few that he felt missed the mark. Wright's commitment to fidelity should please both King and readers who have long awaited a more accurate version.
The production of the film has been shrouded in secrecy, but early reports suggest that it will feature intense action sequences, psychological horror, and biting social commentary. Wright has assembled a team of experienced stunt coordinators and visual effects artists to create the deadly game show challenges. The game itself, known as "The Running Man," pits contestants against each other in a series of murderous obstacles, all broadcast live for the entertainment of a desensitized public. It is a stark warning against the excesses of reality television and government surveillance, themes that remain alarmingly relevant today.
As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting trailers and promotional material. The inclusion of the Schwarzenegger presidential joke has already generated buzz, highlighting Wright's cleverness and respect for film history. It is a small but significant detail that ties the new film to a broader tapestry of pop culture, from the 1980s action era to the political landscape of the early 2000s. For those who grew up watching Schwarzenegger's movies and then saw him become the Governor, the joke feels like a circle completed, a wink from the filmmaker that says: yes, we remember, and we honor it.
In the end, Edgar Wright's decision to keep the joke alive is a testament to the enduring power of cinematic references and the way they can evolve with time. What began as a throwaway line in a 1993 blockbuster has become a defining feature of a 2025 remake, bridging generations of moviegoers and reminding us that sometimes the best jokes are the ones that keep on giving.
Source: MSN News