The Running Man Is Glen Powell’s First Real Tom Cruise Test

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It’s well known that this actor admires and studies Tom Cruise’s approach to being a movie star. His career has taken off since his memorable supporting role in Top Gun: Maverick – a film, like Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, that has recently helped launch the careers of several young actors, including Miles Teller, Lewis Pullman, and Monica Barbaro. Of those actors, Powell has particularly spoken about actively learning from Cruise, who has taken him under his wing as a mentor.

Glen Powell became more selective about the roles he takes after his breakout performance in Maverick. His 2023 romantic comedy, Anyone But You, starring alongside Sydney Sweeney, was a financial hit, and their chemistry suggests they could become the next big rom-com duo. In 2024, he starred in the action film Twisters and showcased his charisma as a leading man in Hit Man, a film he co-wrote with director Richard Linklater.

Glen Powell clearly wants to be a classic movie star – the kind Hollywood doesn’t seem to create anymore. He’s striving to become an actor audiences consistently enjoy and can rely on for entertainment. If he achieves that, any film he’s in will instantly feel like a uniquely “Glen Powell” experience. He’s currently building that recognizable brand and style with each role.

His newest movie, The Running Man, pushes him in exciting and significant directions. It’s the most challenging role he’s taken since working with Tom Cruise.

The Running Man Could Be A Turning Point In Glen Powell’s Career

What makes true movie stars so captivating is their distinct presence on screen. They bring a unique energy to every film, regardless of the character they’re playing. This means they have less flexibility than character actors. A movie either benefits from a star’s particular style, or it doesn’t, and audiences will readily accept or reject any attempts at a different type of role or genre.

Unlike Tom Cruise, Powell is forging his own path as an actor. He’s not trying to follow in Cruise’s footsteps, but he does aspire to lead big-budget action movies – films that can draw audiences even without being part of an established franchise. He wants to prove he can deliver a movie worth watching, based on his own star power.

While Twisters proved he could handle action, The Running Man marks a new direction for the actor. This intense, futuristic thriller promises non-stop action and excitement, especially in IMAX, and heavily relies on the actor’s charisma. The trailer itself showcases him speaking directly to the audience, and features numerous stunts and fast-paced running scenes. It’s fitting, really – The Running Man would be a perfect title for his life story!

Though it’s directed by Edgar Wright and based on a Stephen King story, the main appeal of the new film seems to be star Glen Powell. Early reactions on social media to The Running Man have been good, but critics haven’t released their full reviews yet. The film’s success now largely depends on Powell’s performance.

This film is a major risk for Powell, even though he’s been working towards a project like this. If The Running Man succeeds, he’ll likely receive a lot of praise and gain more control over future projects. However, if it doesn’t perform well, people will question whether he has the same box office appeal as a star like Tom Cruise, and he’ll have to work hard to rebuild his reputation.

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2025-11-07 01:00