Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Sneaky 'Running Man' Cameo Explained
The original Ben Richards has made a daring comeback. Sort of. In the new version ofThe Running Man—directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell—there is more than one reference to the cult classic version from 1987. In addition to the flashy dancers and Colman Domingo's over-the-top hosting of the fictional game, the new film also contains one very big shout-out to Arnold Schwarzenegger's turn from the original film.
Here's the somewhat hilarious Schwarzenegger Easter egg, and why it almost makes you think the new film could be considered a sideways sequel to the original. Mild spoilers ahead.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Is the Face of the New Dollar in The Running Man
While Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't appear in the film as a walking, talking person, his face does appear quite prominently at several points in the movie. Throughout the film, the notion of "New Dollars" is mentioned several times, and that currency doesn't seem to feature any U.S. Presidents, but instead, the face of Schwarzenegger.
Does this inside joke mean that Schwarzenegger somehow became the President in this future timeline? Or, are we meant to think that this version of Schwarzenegger is the original Ben Richards, who won the Running Man back in the day?
Obviously, there's no real way to reconcile the canon of the first film with the newer film. But by having Arnold's face on all the money, the new Running Man certainly tries. Everyone remembers that Schwarzenegger famously said "I'll be back" in the original 1984 Terminator. But he also said it in the 1987 Running Man. And this time, clearly, he delivered on his promise.