‘The Running Man’: The 2 Arnold Schwarzenegger Easter Eggs, Explained

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Edgar Wright’s new movie, The Running Man, is now showing in cinemas. Wright has wanted to make this film for years – he even mentioned it back in 2017 as a remake he’d like to direct. His interest began when he first read the novel at age 14, and was also inspired by the 1987 film version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Wright believed the earlier film didn’t fully capture the spirit of the book, so he aimed to create a more faithful adaptation of the original story and its themes.

Despite his changes, Wright actually has a lot of respect for the original Running Man film. This respect, and his appreciation for the original star, led him to include two subtle tributes in his new version. The film features nods to the actor who first played Ben Richards – Arnold Schwarzenegger appears on the film’s currency, and Glen Powell’s character delivers a line that acknowledges the original. Both of these details are fun, self-aware references that pay homage to the past.

The Currency in ‘The Running Man’ Has a Familiar Face on it


Tri-Star Pictures

Before the movie even came out, a hidden detail – an Easter egg – was revealed: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s face on the New Dollar bill. In the world of The Running Man, the country’s currency is called New Dollars because a powerful corporate government has replaced the traditional dollar. Money is central to everything in the film, and it’s why Richards participates in the dangerous game show run by the Network, the media company that effectively controls America.

A small payment helps Richards afford treatment for his ill daughter, and observant viewers noticed Arnold Schwarzenegger’s face appearing on the redesigned dollar bills in the movie. A promotional image featured director Edgar Wright, actor Glen Powell, and Schwarzenegger with a large prop bill. But this isn’t just a nod to the original film’s actor; it’s also a reference to another movie that mentions the famous action star.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Wright explained the hidden meaning behind the ‘New Dollar Bill’ in the film. It’s a playful reference to the world of Demolition Man – a movie that mentions President Schwarzenegger. Wright saw it as a fun way to acknowledge both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Demolition Man co-writer Daniel Waters. This suggests that the bleak future shown in The Running Man might also have Schwarzenegger as president, even though the film never directly states it. Another subtle tribute to the actor appears through a particularly powerful line reading by the character Powell.

Glen Powell’s Rage-Filled Performance Features a Tribute to Another Iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger Role


Paramount Pictures

Ben Richards doesn’t choose to compete on The Running Man; he’s forced into it. The show’s producer, Dan Killian (played by Josh Brolin), manipulates him by threatening his daughter’s access to necessary medical care. Killian prioritizes ratings and profit above all else, staging dramatic moments and editing footage to provoke contestants. He ultimately manufactures a conflict with Richards by fabricating evidence related to Richards’ family.

The next Easter egg appears as Richards delivers a menacing warning to Killian: he’ll return. This is a clear nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous line from the original Terminator movie, where his character promises to return before attacking a police station. However, the actor’s delivery is a clever contrast to the Terminator’s, creating a surprisingly effective moment.

Both the book and the movie portray Ben Richards as a frustrated and angry man, driven by a desperate need to support his family through the games. This makes him a compelling character, and his threat to Killian – to burn down the Games Network building – is delivered with genuine fury, unlike the cold, robotic tone of Schwarzenegger’s famous line. This difference in delivery is a clever nod to the original, but director Powell doesn’t simply copy it; he reimagines the line to fit the tone and context of his film.

Edgar Wright’s ‘The Running Man’ Is Filled With Subtle Details That Enhance the Film


Paramount Pictures

Edgar Wright’s take on Stephen King’s novel, The Running Man, successfully focuses on the core elements of the original story. Importantly, it doesn’t overshadow or take away from the fun of the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This means we can enjoy both versions as distinct adaptations. While the original Running Man remains a beloved cult classic, Wright’s film is likely to be remembered as the more faithful adaptation of King’s novel.

Edgar Wright is known for adding clever, hidden details to his films that make them even more engaging. He does this in many ways – like using channel surfing at the start of Baby Driver to foreshadow the entire plot, or including Easter eggs throughout his Cornetto Trilogy. In The Running Man, he includes two Easter eggs that honor a popular ’80s and ’90s action star, and these aren’t just fun references; they actually add to the story and provide interesting movie trivia. The Running Man is now playing in theaters.

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2025-11-14 23:03