Here’s a bold statement: Tom Cruise’s obsession with running might just be the secret sauce behind Glen Powell’s upcoming roles in The Running Man and Chad Powers. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Cruise is known for his high-octane stunts and relentless energy, his advice to Powell goes far beyond just physicality. It’s about making every movement look effortlessly cinematic.
Let’s break it down. Cruise’s love for running is legendary—think of it as the cinematic equivalent of Brad Pitt’s infamous on-set antics or Sean Bean’s recurring on-screen demise. So, when Powell needed guidance for his sprint-heavy role in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, who better to call than the man who’s logged more miles on screen than most? And this is the part most people miss—Cruise isn’t just about speed; he’s a perfectionist when it comes to aesthetics. As Powell revealed to Empire, Cruise’s advice wasn’t about running faster but about making it look powerful and propulsive. After all, when you’re on a massive screen, every detail matters. Fun fact: Cruise has reportedly hit speeds of 17 mph—a stat that’s as impressive as it is intimidating.
But Cruise’s mentorship didn’t stop at running. For Chad Powers, Powell tapped into Cruise’s expertise in prosthetics. Remember Les Grossman from Tropic Thunder? That character wasn’t just about the makeup—it was about believability. Powell told The Hollywood Reporter that Cruise’s insights were invaluable in ensuring the prosthetics for Chad Powers felt authentic. Here’s the kicker: If the audience doesn’t buy the character as a real person, the entire project falls flat. Cruise’s guidance was the difference between a convincing performance and a cringe-worthy one.
What’s truly remarkable is the dynamic between these two. Cruise has taken Powell under his wing, championing him at every turn. But Powell is quick to clarify: he’s not here to replace his mentor, despite rumors swirling about a potential Top Gun involvement. As Christopher McQuarrie hinted in June, there’s a third Top Gun film in the works, but Powell’s focus remains on carving his own path.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: Is Tom Cruise’s mentorship the key to Glen Powell’s rising stardom, or is Powell simply leveraging Cruise’s legacy to elevate his own career? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think Powell can stand on his own, or is he forever in Cruise’s shadow? Either way, one thing’s certain: this partnership is one to watch, and we’re here for every stride, sprint, and prosthetic transformation along the way.
