Arnold Schwarzenegger hunts ratings, spouts one-liners, and accidentally predicts reality TV.

In this episode of Rewind Classic Movies, we revisit The Running Man (1987). A loose, sanitised adaptation of Stephen King’s bleak novel that somehow became a neon-lit, catchphrase-stuffed 80s action spectacle.

Recorded over Christmas, partly from a Greek garden, the discussion digs into:

• Why the film feels more like a parody than a prophecy
• How much of Stephen King’s original story survived the rewrite process
• Arnie’s peak one-liner era (for better or worse)
• The film’s surprising accuracy about media manipulation and televised punishment
• Why nostalgia doesn’t always mean something holds up

A cult classic for some, a baffling mess for others, and a fascinating snapshot of where blockbuster cinema collided with TV culture.

🗓️ Don't miss the NEW STYLE FAST FORWARD episode next week when both the guys return to look at ... The Running Man! 2025 version! With Glen Powell! And directed by one of our favorites, Edgar Wright! How exciting!

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