Glen Powell has recently addressed speculation regarding his potential involvement as a superhero within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), making it clear that he is not pursuing such roles at this time. Despite ongoing chatter fueled by a writer’s suggestion and Powell’s rising star after Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, the actor expressed a measured stance on his Glen Powell superhero future as of now.
Powell’s Perspective on Superhero Roles and Storytelling
In a conversation with Collider, Glen Powell clarified that, although superhero stories fascinate him, he is not actively seeking to portray a superhero in future MCU or DC Universe projects. He discussed his work on the Hulu series Chad Powers, co-created with Michael Waldron, known for his role as executive producer of Loki. Powell explained that Chad Powers was envisioned as a superhero narrative, featuring a classic duality reminiscent of the Batman/Bruce Wayne dynamic, with the contrast between the hero’s public persona and secret identity.
He said,
“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
Further elaborating on his connection to superhero tales, Powell shared how his interest lies more in the early development phase of characters who gain powers rather than after they have fully transformed into heroes. He considers those initial moments—the emotional build-up and personal growth—as the most compelling part of these stories.
He reflected,
“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 Origin of the MCU Superhero Rumors
The rumors about Powell stepping into a superhero role largely stem from comments made by Michael Waldron, who was previously a writer for the planned fifth Avengers movie. Waldron hinted that Powell would be a strong candidate to portray Nova in the MCU. Although Waldron’s remarks were brief, he described Powell as someone who could deliver a “pretty good Nova” performance if he joined the expanding Marvel universe.
Meanwhile, Marvel Studios continues production on Avengers: Doomsday, the much-anticipated fifth Avengers film set to debut on December 18, 2026. This film, part of Phase 6 of the MCU, will see Robert Downey Jr. return as Doctor Doom, whose clashes with multiple generations of heroes threaten to destabilize the multiverse.
Upcoming Projects and Career Focus Beyond Superheroes
Although speculation ties Powell to heroic roles within the MCU, his near-future projects reveal an alternate trajectory. He has experienced considerable success recently, with notable films including Anyone But You, Hit Man, and Twisters. Powell continues to expand his range with the Hulu release of Chad Powers, which he is currently promoting.
Powell’s next major film role is as the lead character, Ben Richards, in Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man. Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, this movie is slated for release on November 14. The story follows Richards as he risks his life by participating in a deadly reality television contest to save his daughter’s life, promising a high-stakes, intense narrative that highlights Powell’s dramatic abilities.
Looking further ahead, Powell is confirmed to return as Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin in the upcoming Top Gun 3, a sequel announced after the success of Top Gun: Maverick. While plot details and production schedules for this sequel remain under wraps, fans anticipate his reunion with Tom Cruise and Miles Teller in another thrilling naval aviation adventure.
Despite being frequently mentioned by fans for roles like Cyclops, Green Lantern, and Nova, Glen Powell’s immediate plans clearly center on projects beyond the superhero genre. His statements indicate that playing superheroes is not a personal priority, at least for the foreseeable future.
What Glen Powell’s Choices Mean for His Career and Fans
Powell’s candidness about his superhero role intentions highlights how actors may wish to explore diverse roles rather than becoming pigeonholed in high-profile franchises. His passion for layered storytelling, as seen with Chad Powers, points to a desire to engage with narratives that balance extraordinary elements with deep personal complexity.
For fans of the MCU and superhero movies, this means that while Powell remains a strong candidate for future roles given his talent and popularity, there is no immediate indication of him joining upcoming superhero ensembles. Instead, his focus on varied film projects and sequels like Top Gun 3 illustrates a versatile path, maintaining a presence in different genres without relying solely on superhero fame.
As the MCU expands with new characters and stories, Powell’s remarks also remind audiences that the creative exploration of superhero concepts can occur outside of established franchises, offering richer and more personal interpretations of heroism.
