A brutal dystopian game show. A cult 80s action classic. And now… a brand-new remake enters the arena.

In this episode of Mart and Trev’s The Deja Review, we step into the deadly world of The Running Man, the iconic sci-fi action movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and compare it with the highly anticipated The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and based more closely on the novel by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman).

The original 1987 film turned a dystopian future into explosive entertainment, packed with outrageous villains, unforgettable one-liners, and a deadly televised competition where criminals fight for survival. But the 2025 remake promises a darker, more faithful adaptation of the original story.

Mart and Trev break down the origins of The Running Man, the differences between the films, the wild 80s action energy, and whether the new version improves on the cult classic or loses the chaotic charm that made the original so memorable.

Does the remake reinvent the game…

or does the 1987 classic still rule the arena?

In the end… there can only be one winner.

Two long time friends, one podcast.

This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Deja Review

01:09 Overview of The Running Man

02:06 The Original Film's Background

04:59 Character Analysis and Casting Choices

08:19 Dialogue and Writing Quality

10:16 Visual Effects and Production Quality

12:39 Cameos and Music Links

14:36 Cultural Commentary and Themes

18:03 Transition to the Remake

19:28 Remake's Development and Casting

21:25 Differences in Character Roles

23:10 Plot and Character Motivations

25:29 Filming Locations and Production Details

27:24 Advertising and Product Placement

29:21 Cameos and Easter Eggs

30:18 Cultural Parody and Social Commentary

32:43 Innovative Filming Techniques

34:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

35:04 Character Evolution and Audience Reception

38:36 Character Dynamics and Plot Resolutions

41:34 Comparative Analysis of Actors

44:59 Hunters: Original vs. Remake

45:56 Themes of Reality and Dystopia

48:45 Potential for Future Adaptations

49:58 5 to 1: Arnold Schwarzenegger

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