The original film version of The Running Man traveled a far bumpier road than its new counterpart.

Based on Stephen King ‘s 1982 novel, director Paul Michael Glaser’s initial dystopian movie starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as a police officer who is framed for murder and competes for his freedom on a game show where professional killers hunt down convicted criminals.

Producer George Linder was at an airport when he picked up King’s book, published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, and envisioned it as a vehicle for Christopher Reeve. Ultimately, Schwarzenegger landed the role, and screenwriter Steven E. de Souza — who penned the star’s 1985 title Commando — remembers the project cycling through various directors.

The original film version of The Running Man traveled a far

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