Do audiences truly desire a remake of a previous blockbuster or continuation to further build an existing movie franchise? Based on recent releases, the Hollywood film makers seem to be banking on. Let’s find out what audiences think.

 The Running Man of 1987 vs. The Running Man of 2025

The first The Running Man, an original action/sci-fi, was released in 1987 and was based on a 1982 novel by Stephen King. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, it featured Jesse Ventura, Yaphet Kotto, Richard Dawson, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who plays the protagonist, Ben Richards.

The movie centers around a game show featuring convicted criminals, referred to as “Runners.” The Runners must escape the death of many professional killers, called “Lethal Stalkers.“ Will they have made it as the government controls the game show? If the Runners survive, they earn their freedom against the Lethal Stalkers. With a happy ending, Ben Richards (Schwarzenegger) and his love interest Amber Mendez (Alonso) both survive the deadly game show and killing the host–deleting the footage of the game show.

The Remake: The Running Man 2025

Last month–on Nov. 14–the 2025 remake of The Running Man was released. It is also an adaptation of the 1982 Stephen King novel. Following the original film of The Running Man, the cast includes titular character Ben Richards (Glen Powell). This movie is now set in the near future, where the USA’s dystopian police state is ruled by media networks. Most in society have lived in poverty with little to no healthcare. They are kept pacified by “Free Vee,” which bombards the population with violent and trashy game shows. 

The main opponent, Ben, is a blue collar worker who attends the game show in desperate hope to win the $1 billion to get medical healthcare for his sick, infant daughter Cathy, who has influenza. Determined to secure life-saving medical treatment, will Ben be able to survive the challenging 30 days away from his sick infant and his adoring wife? Will he come back with the $1 billion to better their lives? Will his determination take him as far as a rainbow and lead him to the pot of gold?

Former EHS Junior Cade Warren says that the remake was not even on her radar. “I have never heard about either of the movies, as I am not a big fan of many action movies,” she states. “Once I read through the description and watched the trailer to both the original and remake, it looked binge worthy and very interesting.” However, she is more likely to do that from home, rather than in the theater.

Conversely, Junior Kowen Snyder, an avid action-movie lover, states this: “I had been waiting for the remake to come out!” Continuing, he adds, “I love a good classic action movie, but it is about time that we get a more nuanced version of our society and the struggles that can be faced.” Snyder also shares that this remake shows how “determination is the key to many successes.” There was “a great suspense” waiting throughout the movie to see if Ben makes it out alive with the jackpot for his family. 

 Zootopia– Always A Classic 

With Zootopia 2 releasing just last week, it comes almost exactly 20 years after the original  Zootopia (Mar. 4, 2016). Directed by Clark Spencer for Walt Disney Animation Studios, it received positive reviews from many critics on the animation, screenplay, and subject matter. This original film not only opened with record-breaking box office returns in several countries, but also grossed over $1 billion, ranking it as the highest film in 2016. 

Fans recall the main protagonist Judy Hopps, who follows her dream of becoming an officer and works with con artist Nick Wilde, who soon becomes her partner in crime. Together, they work to uncover a conspiracy that involves the disappearance of predators. They soon find out that their former worker Bellwether is behind  the many disappearances. As Judy gets a confession out of Bellwether, she is arrested along with her many former helpers. Nine months later, Nick graduates from the Police Academy and becomes the first fox cop, and Hopps follows her dream with her official partner in crime.

Zootopia 2: A Slithery Situation 

Avid Zootopia fans are aware that the new release is a continuation in the franchise. Furthering the story of Judy Hopps and her sidekick Nick Wilde, they have an assignment that involves them going undercover to solve a new mystery. Threatening their beloved Zootopia is Gary De’Snake, who seems to be a friendly reptilian. Are looks and acts shown in the trailer deceiving? Is the reptilian just misunderstood, or is Gary De’Snake an incomplete and uncivilized reptilian to their city?

“I loved the first Zootopia movie. It’s so cool!” Warren explains with excitement, recalling the classic childhood movie. “I love how it’s motivating to people who feel small and like they can’t be better than others.” She shares a personal thought by saying, “It has definitely motivated me to be stronger and to not give up on my dreams!” As many are excited to see their journey continue, Warren says she will be watching this to bring out the inner childhood within her.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Yet to be reviewed is Avatar: Fire and Ash. Releasing Dec.19, this is the third–but not final–movie to the franchise! With two more movies to be added to the collection, it will be interesting to see what adventures the third movie will bring. Through the trailer, audiences know that this movie will tag along the main character Jake Sully, with his family and the Navi on Pandora…but with a new edition. Fans will be introduced to a new tribe: Ash People. Will they become a new fan-favorite, or will they become a disliked villain?

“The first movie was a hit!” exclaims Snyder. “I can’t wait to watch this movie in theaters with my family and friends.” Elaborating, he adds, “I know there will be a lot of suspense with the new Ash tribe–and even maybe from the commander in the first movie.”

Snyder appreciates how, thus far, the movies grow in intrigue rather than failing to live up to past glories. “I love how the producers have added elements to each movie to make it a unique watch each time. I can’t wait to see what they have in store!”

Whether catching up on last month’s releases or awaiting what this month holds, it’s never too late to jump in on the movie magic. Grab a big bucket of popcorn, a drink, and maybe a few favorite snacks, while being transported into fantastical worlds…at least for a few hours.