Glen Powell Rejects Superhero Roles: Prefers Ordinary Characters Over Superpowers

Glen Powell has expressed clear reluctance to take on superhero roles, a genre that many actors eagerly pursue. Discussing his upcoming lead part in Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man with Empire Magazine, Powell explained that he does not connect with characters who possess superpowers, instead gravitating toward more relatable, ordinary personas.

Why Powell Prefers Playing Everyday Characters

Powell conveyed his preference for stories that revolve around regular individuals facing overwhelming challenges. He emphasized the appeal of characters who are hunted or in danger but must persevere to protect those they care about.

“I just don’t identify with people with superpowers for the most part,”

Powell said.

“I like the ordinary guy against extraordinary odds. The entire world is hunting this man, trying to kill him. Can he survive? Can he save his family? That’s a great, simple story.”

—Glen Powell, Actor

Turning Down Roles Outside His Comfort Zone

Despite being frequently speculated for superhero roles online, Powell maintains no interest in pursuing them professionally. He also recently declined a part in the upcoming 2025 film Jurassic World Rebirth. Reflecting on that decision, he explained that imagining himself within certain projects helps him determine if a role is the right fit.

“Sometimes you’ve got to close your eyes and put yourself in that movie, and you’re like, ‘No, I would not be good in this movie,’”

Powell said.

“‘There’s somebody better that’s gonna breathe more life into this, or can do a better job than I can.’ And you just have to be realistic about that. Sometimes you put yourself out of a job, but that’s okay.”

—Glen Powell, Actor

Impact of Powell’s Choices on His Career Path

Glen Powell’s decisions highlight a thoughtful approach to his acting career, favoring authentic storytelling over popular trends like superhero franchises. His commitment to roles that feel genuine may influence the types of projects he pursues moving forward, focusing on narratives that resonate on a human level rather than relying on fantastical elements or established blockbuster formulas.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Glen Powell a Nepo baby?

A. Let’s not focus on nepotism babies for now—Glen Powell’s parents might just be the first-ever examples of nepotism parents.

Q. Why is Glen Powell suddenly so popular?

A. Powell’s movie career was gaining momentum. He was in supporting roles in “Hidden Figures” as astronaut John Glenn and “The Expendables 3” as a hacker. Eventually, he got his first starring role in the Netflix surprise hit “Set It Up.” In this film, Powell portrayed a slick finance guy who turns out to have a soft, kind heart.

Q. Is Glen Powell a Nepo?

A. Glen Powell’s parents are the first ‘Nepo Parents’ to have appeared in these famous films.

Q. Is Glen Powell a nice guy in real life?

A. Yes, Powell is really a nice person. In Hollywood, many people know which actors have difficult behavior. While some stars’ actions become public, many do not. Powell, however, is known for being kind and respectful, which is uncommon today.