Prior to developing this adaptation, Edgar Wright said on Twitter that The Running Man (1987) was the film that he most wanted to remake.
The book the movie is based upon was published in 1982 but takes place in 2025, the year this movie is being released. The original movie was released in 1987 and takes place in 2017.
Before Glen Powell was cast, Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth have met with director Edgar Wright or were considered for the lead role.
Glen Powell said Arnold Schwarzenegger, star of The Running Man (1987), gave him his "full blessing."