Four days after Glen Powell’s The Running Man premiered in theaters, the movie is widely considered a box office disappointment, raising serious questions about Powell’s trajectory as the next Tom Cruise successor. The lackluster performance poses challenges for industry insiders hoping Powell would fill the action hero void left in Hollywood.
Industry’s Hopes for Glen Powell as a Leading Man Falter
Powell, known for his role alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick and his appearances in Anyone but You and Twisters, was expected by many in Hollywood to cement his action star status with The Running Man. Instead, the film’s opening weekend saw it earn only $17 million domestically, well behind competitors like Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which took in $21.3 million. This underwhelming debut has led to industry speculation about Powell’s box office viability.
Insider Perspectives Reflect Uncertainty
Expectations were particularly high due to Powell’s collaboration with director Edgar Wright, a pairing believed to be capable of delivering a hit. The film’s struggle at the box office has cast doubt not only on their partnership but also on Powell’s ability to be recognized as Tom Cruise’s box office successor.
“This movie was a major test. His first huge mega-budget film, where he’s the marquee name. Hollywood is trying to position him as the next Tom Cruise, but this is a major global fail.”
– Insider, The Daily Mail
Despite the disappointing box office reception, some close to Powell have highlighted his perseverance and ongoing ambition. One insider noted,
“Glen has been working for a long time, and his star rising is a long time coming, and to be the next big star or the next Tom Cruise doesn’t happen overnight, or at all.”
– Insider, The Daily Mail
Box Office Struggles and Overexposure Concerns
While Powell had hoped The Running Man would be an enormous hit, internal sources share that he is already focusing on upcoming projects. Some believe that Powell’s omnipresence—ranging from hosting Saturday Night Live to starring in television projects like Chad Powers—may have hurt the film’s box office chances. One source explained,
“Audiences still like Glen, but some of the blame should be put on people watching him from home, with him being on SNL this past weekend and also having his show Chad Powers out so that you can watch on your couch.”
– Insider, The Daily Mail
History Repeats for Hollywood Action Heroes
Despite current setbacks, some Hollywood insiders regard the situation as a temporary obstacle in Glen Powell’s path to action stardom. Industry watchers recall that Tom Cruise himself had missteps before becoming one of the most dependable movie stars in Hollywood. Cruise recently attended the premiere of The Running Man, signaling support for Powell amid the film’s commercial problems.
The outcome of The Running Man marks a significant moment in Powell’s career, shaking confidence in his status as a top box office draw and raising wider questions about Hollywood’s quest for a true successor to Tom Cruise. As Powell moves forward, all eyes will be on how he responds to this challenge and whether he can reclaim momentum as the next Tom Cruise successor.
