Glen Powell, Tom Cruise, and the High-Stakes Buzz Around 'The Running Man'
Glen Powell’s rise continues to capture Hollywood’s attention as he headlines Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man. With Tom Cruise publicly cheering him on and multiple outlets highlighting both the film’s intense stunts and behind-the-scenes camaraderie, Powell’s image as a daring, affable action lead has never looked sharper. Here’s how the media frames his moment—and why it matters to fans in both the UK and the US.
Main Topic Overview
The revival of The Running Man isn’t just another retro reboot—it’s a test of Powell’s versatility and the trust studios now place in him. From early reports, the film promises practical effects, brutal athleticism, and emotional grounding. Tom Cruise’s endorsement adds legacy credibility, bridging generations of action icons. Media coverage blends praise for Powell’s dedication with light-hearted talk of his on-set mishaps, giving the story both humor and heat.
News Coverage
Tom Cruise Supports Top Gun: Maverick Costar Glen Powell's New Movie 'The Running Man'
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This feature celebrates Cruise’s public praise of Powell’s performance in The Running Man, signaling mentorship continuity from Top Gun: Maverick to a new generation of action cinema. The article emphasizes Cruise’s Instagram post declaring that Powell “crushed it,” underscoring how legacy stars amplify each other’s marketing momentum. For audiences, it reads as a passing of the torch wrapped in friendly admiration.
Glen Powell suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction during stunt on 'The Running Man' set

This light tabloid piece injects humor into the press cycle, recounting a behind-the-scenes wardrobe mishap during an action sequence. While framed as an “oops” moment, it reinforces Powell’s reputation for throwing himself into physical scenes without ego. The coverage softens the film’s intensity by spotlighting its human moments, ensuring casual readers stay engaged beyond stunt spectacle.
Glen Powell Recalls Filming 'Half-Naked' Stunts for Running Man Movie

Us Weekly highlights Powell’s candor about performing half-naked action scenes, blending humor with appreciation for the film’s physical demands. His self-deprecating tone humanizes blockbuster filmmaking, showing the actor’s willingness to endure discomfort for authenticity. The story broadens appeal beyond action fans, positioning Powell as relatable and game for risk-taking artistry.
How The Expendables 3 helped Glen Powell prepare for 'The Running Man' remake

Popverse connects Powell’s earlier ensemble role in The Expendables 3 to his preparation for leading The Running Man. The piece draws a throughline between learning stunt coordination from veteran performers and now commanding full-scale sequences under Edgar Wright. It situates Powell’s evolution as evidence of patient craft-building rather than overnight fame.
Glen Powell shares 'the most dangerous' stunt he did for 'The Running Man'

USA Today’s report leans into high-stakes storytelling, letting Powell recount a sequence labeled “the most dangerous” of his career. The tone balances admiration and tension, spotlighting the actor’s professionalism under extreme conditions. This framing elevates audience anticipation and reinforces the film’s authenticity-driven marketing approach.
Tom Cruise Drops New Photos Amid Rumored Ana de Armas Split

This gossip-adjacent story indirectly boosts The Running Man publicity through Cruise’s photo posts from the premiere circuit. While its tone is tabloid, it amplifies visibility for the film within lifestyle media spaces. The narrative overlap between Cruise’s personal life and Powell’s professional moment keeps both names circulating across algorithmic feeds.
Hollywood star Glen Powell hails Tom Cruise’s acting advice
This UK piece resonates with British readers, highlighting mentorship and humility. Powell credits Cruise for encouraging emotional grounding even in action-heavy roles. The cross-Atlantic focus reinforces Powell’s global positioning and connects the film’s energy with Cruise’s enduring performance ethos—precision and presence over spectacle alone.
Glen Powell Says Tom Cruise Gave Him Stunt Advice for 'The Running Man'
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This follow-up piece expands on the Cruise connection, with Powell recalling specific safety and mindset guidance from his former co-star. It strengthens the narrative of mentorship continuity that threads through the coverage. Readers get a sense of friendship forged through mutual respect for the craft—and the risk.
‘The Running Man’: Edgar Wright on Directing His Most Expensive Movie Ever

Variety’s deep dive shifts focus to director Edgar Wright, detailing production scale and creative ambition. Wright reveals balancing Stephen King’s approval with bold reinterpretation, noting Powell’s endurance during freezing outdoor scenes. The insight situates Powell as both muse and collaborator, not merely a star, framing the film as prestige-level spectacle with heart.
The 7 Biggest Differences Between the ‘Running Man’ Movies

Gizmodo’s analysis closes the loop by comparing Powell’s version to the 1987 Schwarzenegger classic. It underscores tonal and thematic shifts—less camp, more psychological realism—and praises Powell’s grounded physicality. This contextual angle invites older fans back while validating new viewers seeking modern genre refinement.
Summary / Insights
Collectively, coverage paints Glen Powell as Hollywood’s next dependable leading man: professional, relatable, and mentored by the industry’s best. Tom Cruise’s visible support bridges generations of action stardom, while Edgar Wright’s bold vision gives the project creative credibility. The mixture of humor, risk, and admiration ensures The Running Man lands as both a star vehicle and a showcase of practical spectacle.
TL;DR
Powell’s daring stunts, Cruise’s mentorship, and Wright’s ambition converge to make The Running Man one of 2025’s most talked-about action revivals.
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