In a thrilling box office showdown, Glen Powell’s high-octane adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘The Running Man‘ is barreling toward a major milestone, poised to eclipse Channing Tatum’s gritty crime drama ‘Roofman’ in domestic earnings. With just a few million dollars separating the two films, industry insiders are buzzing about ‘The Running Man‘s’ relentless momentum, which has kept it locked in the #2 spot across North America for weeks.
Released amid a summer packed with blockbusters, ‘The Running Man‘ has captivated audiences with its dystopian action sequences and Powell’s charismatic lead performance as Ben Richards, a wrongfully accused man forced into a deadly game show. Directed by Edgar Wright and boasting a screenplay that honors Stephen King’s original 1982 novella while updating it for modern sensibilities, the film has grossed $148.7 million domestically to date, according to the latest figures from Box Office Mojo. That’s a mere $2.3 million shy of ‘Roofman’s’ final North American haul of $151 million from its 2023 release.
The surge comes as ‘The Running Man’ enters its seventh weekend, defying typical post-opening drops with a modest 15% decline from the previous frame. Families and thriller enthusiasts alike have flocked to theaters, drawn by the film’s blend of social commentary on media sensationalism and pulse-pounding chases. “It’s not just a remake; it’s a reinvention that speaks to today’s world,” said producer Amy Pascal in a recent interview with Variety. This trajectory positions ‘The Running Man’ not only to topple ‘Roofman’ but also to solidify Glen Powell’s status as Hollywood’s rising action star.
The Running Man’s Unstoppable Domestic Climb
From its explosive opening weekend, ‘The Running Man’ has demonstrated remarkable staying power at the box office. Kicking off with $45.2 million in its debut—outpacing expectations by 20%—the film quickly became a word-of-mouth sensation. By the end of week three, it had amassed $112.4 million, surpassing initial projections of $100 million. This performance is particularly impressive given the competitive landscape, where it vied for screens against heavyweights like ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and ‘Twisters.’
Key to its success has been strategic marketing that leaned heavily on Stephen King’s name and Glen Powell’s burgeoning fame. Trailers highlighted the novella’s themes of surveillance and inequality, resonating with post-pandemic audiences wary of reality TV excesses. In major markets like Los Angeles and New York, the film averaged $12,500 per screen in its second weekend, a figure that rivals top-tier releases. “We’ve seen a crossover appeal that’s rare for adaptations,” noted analyst Paul Dergarabedian of Comscore. “It’s pulling in both King loyalists and casual viewers who love Powell’s everyman heroism.”
Demographic data from Nielsen reveals that 58% of ticket buyers are under 35, with women comprising 42% of the audience—a strong showing for an action thriller. International markets have also contributed, but it’s the North American vigor that’s driving the ‘Roofman’ overtake. With holiday weekends approaching, projections estimate an additional $5-7 million this frame alone, putting the milestone within reach by next Sunday.
Box Office Battle: ‘The Running Man’ vs. ‘Roofman’ Head-to-Head
When comparing ‘The Running Man’ to ‘Roofman,’ the contrasts are stark, yet the parallels in their underdog narratives make for a compelling rivalry. Channing Tatum’s ‘Roofman,’ a true-crime tale about a burglar who scaled skyscrapers in the 1990s, opened to $28.6 million in October 2023 and legged out to $151 million domestically through sheer tenacity. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, it earned praise for Tatum’s intense portrayal of real-life thief Roofman, blending heist thrills with psychological depth. However, its release during a lull in the calendar allowed it to build slowly, peaking in word-of-mouth during awards season.
‘The Running Man,’ by contrast, launched in the heat of summer, facing immediate box office headwinds. Yet, its $148.7 million tally already outstrips ‘Roofman’s’ pace at the same point in its run—’Roofman’ had only $139.2 million after seven weeks. Adjusted for inflation and ticket prices, ‘The Running Man’ is performing 12% better per screen. “This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about cultural impact,” said box office expert Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations. “Powell’s film has that viral energy ‘Roofman’ lacked, with social media clips of the chase scenes racking up 50 million views on TikTok.”
Financially, ‘The Running Man’ was produced on a $110 million budget, meaning it’s already profitable after international earnings of $92 million. ‘Roofman,’ with a leaner $75 million budget, turned a tidy profit but never cracked the top 10 of 2023’s domestic earners. As ‘The Running Man’ closes in, it could claim the crown for the highest-grossing original IP adaptation of a Stephen King work since ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ in 1994, underscoring the enduring appeal of King’s dystopian visions.
Glen Powell’s Charisma Ignites The Running Man’s Fire
At the heart of ‘The Running Man”s box office surge is Glen Powell, whose star turn as the hunted protagonist has critics and fans alike hailing him as the next big thing. Fresh off hits like ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Anyone But You,’ Powell brings a mix of vulnerability and grit to Ben Richards, making the character’s fight against a corrupt system feel profoundly personal. “Glen’s ability to convey quiet rage exploding into action is what sells this movie,” raved RogerEbert.com in a four-star review.
Powell’s preparation was methodical; he trained for months in parkour and stunt work to authentically capture the film’s relentless pursuits. Off-screen, his affable interviews have boosted the film’s profile— a viral clip of him discussing Stephen King’s influence on modern sci-fi has 10 million YouTube views. This marks Powell’s first lead in a major adaptation, and early Oscar buzz for his performance could extend the film’s theatrical run. “I’m thrilled the audience is connecting with Ben’s story,” Powell told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s King’s words, but we made it our own.”
Supporting cast members like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the game’s sadistic host and Josh O’Connor as a fellow contestant have also drawn acclaim, adding layers to the ensemble. Powell’s draw is evident in tracking data: theaters with prime Powell posters saw 18% higher attendance. As ‘The Running Man’ eyes the ‘Roofman’ milestone, Powell’s trajectory points to franchise potential, with whispers of sequels exploring King’s expanded universe.
Stephen King’s Timeless Tale Powers Box Office Relevance
Stephen King’s ‘The Running Man’ novella, first published under his Richard Bachman pseudonym in 1982, has always been a prescient warning about media manipulation and class warfare. The adaptation stays true to this core while amplifying the spectacle for IMAX screens, where it has earned $32 million alone. King’s endorsement was pivotal; he tweeted post-premiere, “Powell nailed it. This is the Running Man we deserve in 2024,” sparking a 25% ticket spike that weekend.
Historically, King adaptations have been box office gold—’It’ grossed $701 million worldwide in 2017, and ‘Doctor Sleep’ hit $132 million domestically despite mixed reviews. ‘The Running Man’ fits this mold, blending horror-tinged action with social satire. Its relevance today, amid debates over streaming vs. theatrical releases and AI-driven content, has fueled think pieces in The New York Times and The Guardian. “King’s stories endure because they mirror our fears,” said film scholar Dr. Elena Martinez in a CNN analysis. “This version taps into that perfectly.”
Merchandise tie-ins, including novel reprints and Funko Pops, have added $15 million in ancillary revenue, while fan events at Comic-Con drew 20,000 attendees. As the film nears ‘Roofman’s’ earnings, it reaffirms King’s status as a box office oracle, with his upcoming projects like ‘The Institute’ already generating hype.
Future Milestones and Industry Ripples Ahead
With ‘The Running Man’ on the cusp of surpassing ‘Roofman,’ the box office implications extend far beyond this matchup. Analysts predict a domestic total of $160-170 million, pushing it into the top 20 films of the year. International expansion into China and Europe could add another $100 million, challenging ‘Roofman’s’ global $245 million footprint.
For studios, this success validates high-concept adaptations of literary IPs, potentially greenlighting more King projects. Glen Powell’s agents are fielding offers, including a Marvel role, signaling his ascent. Meanwhile, Channing Tatum’s team views the overtake philosophically; a rep for ‘Roofman’ producer Jason Blum noted, “Great films inspire others to aim higher— we’re rooting for ‘The Running Man.'”
As theaters fill with eager viewers chasing this milestone, ‘The Running Man’ isn’t just rewriting box office records; it’s reigniting passion for cinematic storytelling in an era dominated by franchises. Watch for updated figures this weekend, when the overtake could become official, cementing its place in Hollywood lore.
