Hollywood talent Glen Powell, often linked to potential roles within Marvel and DC franchises, has addressed the rumors about his future as a superhero. In a recent interview with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, Powell revealed that despite the ongoing speculation, he feels he has already experienced his superhero moment. Rather than chasing a traditional superhero role, Powell highlighted his connection to ordinary heroism, explaining that his creative collaboration on the Hulu series Chad Powers envisioned the character as a kind of everyday superhero inspired by Batman’s secret identity dynamic.
Powell shared,
“Michael Waldron and I created Chad Powers, and we always conceptualized that as a superhero story. There’s very much a Batman/Bruce Wayne thing going on there. There’s the super version of you and then there’s sort of the version that you can kind of hide from the world. So, I love the duality of superhero stories. I love the idea of secret identities. I love all that, but I can’t say that there’s one superhero in particular I’m chasing.”
Glen Powell, Actor
Focus on the Human Side of Superhero Stories
While fans often imagine stars like Powell taking on iconic characters with extraordinary powers, the actor emphasized his preference for the human aspects of superhero tales. He expressed that his interest lies more in the emotional depth and vulnerabilities of characters than in their superhuman feats. Powell acknowledges what usually draws him into these narratives is the beginning stages of transformation, the early struggles that define a hero’s growth.
He stated,
“Look, the thing about superhero stories that I’ve always loved is it’s like the early days of something, building something. I don’t feel, as a person, like a superhero. Once someone becomes super, I sort of kind of tend to no longer feel, I don’t know, the same emotional connection.”
Glen Powell, Actor
The Running Man Represents Powell’s Unique Take on Heroism
Powell’s role in the upcoming film The Running Man offers a fresh interpretation of heroism, one grounded in realism and personal stakes rather than superpowers. Set in a near-future dystopia, the film follows Ben Richards (played by Powell), a desperate man trying to secure financial stability for his family by participating in a lethal game show. Competitors are hunted as they try to survive 30 days to claim a grand prize of $1 billion. This narrative spotlights courage under pressure and resilience against overwhelming odds, qualities Powell finds inspiring and more relatable.
Explaining the appeal of The Running Man compared to traditional superhero narratives, Powell remarked,
“I’m having fun. Look, the thing about Running Man that, really, I love, I think more than anything, is it’s an ordinary guy against extraordinary odds. You know? I think those underdog stories are the movies that got me into this business. I love what Marvel is doing. I love what DC is doing. I think what they’re doing is great. But the stories that at least get me inspired, the stories that I’ve always wanted to be a part of, are these movies that you saw in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, early 2000s, where it’s like these are truly Man Against the System movies, these David and Goliath stories where no one’s super. For me, it’s a different feeling of leaving the theater and being like, ‘Oh, that could be me.’ If you just summon enough strength, if you just summon enough energy, ‘That could be me.’ So, I think that’s the difference. I just don’t feel that superhero stories really apply to me the same way that an underdog story does.”
Glen Powell, Actor
Releasing in cinemas on November 14, The Running Man gives Powell’s audience a chance to experience his perspective on heroism: one marked by determination, grit, and ordinary bravery in extraordinary circumstances.
Key Cast Members of The Running Man
Glen Powell leads as Ben Richards, the protagonist driven by a pressing need to support his family.
Josh Brolin plays Dan Killian, a key figure involved in the high-stakes game.
Jayme Lawson portrays Sheila Richards, adding depth to Ben’s personal storyline.
Lee Pace takes on the role of Evan McCone, contributing to the antagonist’s side in the story’s conflict.
