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Good news, Arnie.
Arnold Schwarzenegger says there’s only one movie from his career that he ever wanted to see remade – and now it finally has been.
The “Terminator” star, 78, recently united with director Edgar Wright and actor Glen Powell at the premiere of “The Running Man,” a new take on the 1987 sci-fi action film that helped define Schwarzenegger’s career.
“The only movie that I always wanted to have redone of my movies was ‘The Running Man,’” the “Expendables” star told Wright and Powell on Friday.
“So now, this one really upped it and did exactly that,” he added. “The action was unbelievable and creative.”
Wright, meanwhile, praised the “Total Recall” star alongside the video of the trio’s “Running Man” meeting.
“This was such a moment,” the “Last Night in Soho” filmmaker wrote. “A passing of batons between Running Men. Thank you Mr. Schwarzenegger for being so kind and generous to our production. And enjoy your very special cash prize!”
The original movie, directed by Paul Michael Glaser, was loosely adapted from the 1982 novel by Stephen King, who wrote it under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.
Schwarzenegger starred as Ben Richards, a former police captain who is framed for a crime and forced to compete on the deadly “Running Man” game show where he must fight for his life.
Nearly 40 years later, Powell leads the cast of the new version. The remake also features William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra and Jayme Lawson.
But before filming even began, the “Chad Powers” actor said that he wanted to make sure Schwarzenegger supported the project.
“Arnold gave us his blessing,” Powell told People back in April.
“Patrick Schwarzenegger is a great friend of mine, and I asked Patrick if I could talk to Arnold, the “Twisters” star added. “I hadn’t seen Arnold since we shot ‘Expendables’ in Bulgaria.”
Wright expressed his appreciation for Schwarzenegger’s encouragement as well in a second Instagram post shared after the “Running Man” premiere earlier this weekend.
“Ben Richards meets Ben Richards. The legendary [Schwarzenegger] came to see our new adaptation of [‘The Running Man’] and gave it a huge thumbs up,” the “Baby Driver” director wrote. “I can’t tell you how sweet and generous it has been to have Arnold’s support.”
“He wished us all the luck with our version before we started shooting and loved the finished product,” Wright continued alongside a photo of him, Powell and Schwarzenegger holding a novelty $100 bill featuring the “Predator” star. “Especially his face on our new currency!”
“Thank YOU, Mr President,” the filmmaker concluded.
“The Running Man” hits theaters Friday, Nov. 14.
English (US)