Glen Powell faced a new level of physical demand preparing for the release of Running Man on Friday, November 14, where he stars as Ben Richards in this action-packed remake. The film’s intense stunt work pushed Powell’s body to its limits, revealing the harsh realities of portraying a relentless game of survival.
Powell, 37, shared exclusive insights about the experience, stating,
The physical toll of the stunts, I don’t know if I fully anticipated what that was going to be,
reflecting the grueling effort required. He also emphasized the dedication between himself and director Edgar Wright:
The reality is, [director] Edgar [Wright] and I looked at each other before the movie started and we just said, ‘No shortcuts. Get it right.’ And Edgar really gave every bit of himself to make sure this movie was told correctly. And I definitely told him, ‘If you hire me, there’s nobody who is going to work harder.’ We really pushed each other to the limit on this one for sure.
Understanding the Stakes in a Dystopian Chase
The remake revisits the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, presenting a dystopian scenario where Powell’s character participates in a deadly game show. In this competition, contestants can run anywhere worldwide but must evade hunters intent on their death. Powell accepted the role knowing the constant intensity of the character’s situation, explaining,
He’s fully charged up the whole time and around every corner could be anyone trying to kill him,
and adding,
It’s like the most deadly game of hide and seek ever. So your adrenaline’s gonna be up the whole time.
Glen Powell’s Journey as a Leading Man and Physical Performer
Powell has a background of strong leading roles, including romantic comedies like 2023’s Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney, and action-driven roles such as Tyler in 2024’s Twisters. He also received praise for co-writing and acting in the dark romantic comedy Hit Man. Despite his experience, Powell sought guidance for the high stamina and physical demands required for Running Man.
Mentorship and Support from Tom Cruise
To prepare for the extreme challenges ahead, Powell reached out to a trusted mentor, Tom Cruise, known for his daring stunt work in films like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible series. Powell revealed,
I hit up Tom as soon as I got the role. You know, he is the running man. There’s probably no one more synonymous with the running man than Tom,
acknowledging Cruise’s influence.
What Powell expected to be a brief conversation turned into a detailed exchange lasting over two and a half hours. He shared,
He just walked me through all the things he’s learned over his entire career, you know, of putting his life on the line to entertain audiences,
and recognized,
I don’t think everybody appreciates what he does in terms of how far he’s willing to go.
Powell expressed gratitude towards Cruise’s mentorship and described him as,
one of those rare types of stars
who truly supports those around him. He further explained,
I don’t know if there’s anyone like him, that sends the elevator back down and just makes sure that you’re taken care of,
adding,
And to survive a movie like this, I couldn’t have done it without him.
New Appreciation for Action Film Veterans
Stepping into the role of Ben Richards gave Powell insight into the challenges of leading a major action franchise. He gained a renewed respect for legendary stars like Tom Cruise, 63, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, 78, who also shared advice and honest warnings about the risks involved during filming. These conversations broadened Powell’s understanding of the physical and mental endurance demanded by such roles.
Behind the Scenes: The Brutality of Shooting Action Films
Despite moments of fun on set, Powell recounted the tough toll filming took on him daily. Referring to his physical condition, he said,
I was licking my wounds, and I was icing my body down at the end of every day,
stressing,
There was not one easy day on set.
Echoing advice from Schwarzenegger, Powell recalled a candid message from his mentor:
He’s like, ‘No one realizes it, action movies are brutal, they’re not fun,’
continuing with,
He goes, ‘They’re fun to watch. They’re not fun to shoot.’
What’s Next for Glen Powell and Running Man Fans
As Running Man debuts in theaters, audiences can expect an intense and relentless cinematic experience fueled by Powell’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. The physically demanding nature of the film highlights the growing expectations placed on actors in high-stakes action roles, with Powell’s journey underscoring the dedication required behind the scenes. The film’s release may well set a new standard for action-heavy storytelling, where no stunt or challenge is taken lightly.
