Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals the Truth Behind ‘The Running Man’ Disaster: ‘Totally Screwed Up’

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career has been defined by his iconic roles in action films, but not every experience on set has been smooth sailing. One of the more challenging and memorable productions for the actor was the 1987 dystopian action film The Running Man, directed by Paul Michael Glaser. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the film set in a totalitarian future depicted a brutal game show where criminals must evade deadly hunters for a chance at freedom. While The Running Man became a cult classic, Schwarzenegger himself has been candid about the difficulties he faced during the production, particularly with the inexperienced direction and production constraints.

Behind-the-Scenes Struggles: A Frustrating Experience

In his 2012 autobiography, Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story, Schwarzenegger provided a thorough reflection on his experience with The Running Man, focusing on the struggles he encountered throughout filming. He expressed frustration with the choice of Paul Michael Glaser, a first-time director known for his acting background in Starsky & Hutch, to helm such a large-scale production. “The Running Man didn’t turn out as well as it should have… the film was totally screwed up by hiring a first-time director and not giving him time to prepare,” Schwarzenegger wrote. He believed the film had the potential to be a massive success, estimating that with better direction and preparation, it could have grossed $150 million.

Schwarzenegger’s sentiments were echoed in a 2017 article from We Minored in Film, which highlighted the production challenges of The Running Man on its 30th anniversary. The article discussed how the lack of time for Glaser to prepare, combined with the director’s relative inexperience, made the process more difficult. This behind-the-scenes tension added pressure to Schwarzenegger’s role as the film’s leading man, contributing to the difficulties he faced during filming.

Comparative Analysis: The Running Man vs. Other Projects

Comparing The Running Man with some of Schwarzenegger’s other films from the same era offers insight into the impact of experienced directors on his performances. In contrast to The Running Man, films like Commando (1985), Predator (1987), and Total Recall (1990) featured directors with more established careers. John McTiernan, known for his work on Predator, is widely praised for his ability to manage action and narrative tension, ensuring smooth productions and more cohesive films. Schwarzenegger’s comments suggest that the inexperience of The Running Man’s director, combined with a rushed production, was a key challenge that affected both the film’s quality and his performance.

The Film’s Legacy and Impact on Schwarzenegger’s Career

Despite the production struggles, The Running Man has since become a cult classic, praised for its over-the-top action, social commentary, and Schwarzenegger’s commanding performance. The film has gained relevance over time, as noted in a 2021 article from Bleeding Cool, which discussed the film’s timely exploration of media manipulation and the thirst for entertainment at any cost. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Ben Richards helped solidify his status as one of Hollywood’s leading action stars during the 1980s, and his reflections on the difficulties of the film provide valuable insight into his commitment to ensuring high-quality productions.

Looking at The Running Man in the context of his later career, Schwarzenegger’s comments suggest that the experience contributed to his evolving choices in film. Following the challenges of this film, Schwarzenegger became more selective about his roles and began exploring other genres, including comedy with films like Twins (1988), which showcased a different side of his acting range.

Moreover, The Running Man‘s enduring legacy is evidenced by the upcoming 2025 remake of the film, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell. Powell sought Schwarzenegger’s blessing for the new adaptation, highlighting the lasting impact of his original performance. The fact that the remake is drawing on the influence of Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Ben Richards further cements the film’s place in action movie history.

Conclusion: The Importance of Experience and Preparation

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s reflections on the challenges he faced while filming The Running Man underscore the importance of experienced direction and adequate preparation in the filmmaking process. While the film’s production was fraught with difficulties due to a first-time director and tight timelines, the film has since earned a loyal fan base, thanks in part to Schwarzenegger’s charismatic performance. His candid acknowledgment of the film’s struggles offers valuable lessons for future filmmakers, especially when it comes to the importance of a well-prepared and experienced director in ensuring the success of large-scale productions.

Ultimately, The Running Man remains an essential part of Schwarzenegger’s legacy, both as a film that has stood the test of time and as a reminder of the obstacles he overcame in his pursuit of excellence.