Paramount Reschedules 'The Running Man' and Sets Release for 'Primate'

What's Happening?

Paramount Pictures has announced a new release date for its upcoming film 'The Running Man,' directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell. Originally scheduled for November 7, 2025, the film will now be released on November 14, 2025, to take advantage of IMAX screen availability. This change moves the film away from competition with 20th Century Studios/Disney's 'Predators: Badlands' and Mubi's 'Die My Love,' which are set for the earlier date. 'The Running Man' is set in a future where contestants participate in a deadly game show. Additionally, Paramount has scheduled the release of 'Primate,' a horror film from Walter Hamada's genre label 18hz, for January 9, 2026. 'Primate' will premiere at Fantastic Fest and features a storyline about a tropical vacation turning into a horror survival tale.

Why It's Important?

The rescheduling of 'The Running Man' reflects strategic planning by Paramount to optimize box office performance by avoiding direct competition with other major releases. This move could potentially increase the film's visibility and revenue, benefiting the studio's financial outlook. The release of 'Primate' marks an expansion of Paramount's genre offerings, showcasing its commitment to diversifying its film slate. The decision to increase the number of annual releases to 20 by 2026 indicates Paramount's aggressive growth strategy in the film industry, aiming to capture a larger market share and cater to diverse audience preferences.

What's Next?

With the new release dates set, Paramount will likely focus on marketing campaigns to build anticipation for both films. The studio's plan to increase its annual film output suggests further announcements of new projects and collaborations. Industry stakeholders, including competitors and cinema operators, will be watching closely to see how these strategic moves impact box office dynamics and audience engagement. The success of 'The Running Man' and 'Primate' could influence future decisions regarding genre films and release strategies.