Glen Powell, once seen as a potential successor to Tom Cruise, faces deep disappointment after the underwhelming debut of his latest film, The Running Man. The hopes that Powell would fill the action hero gap appear shaken as industry expectations for the actor are reconsidered following the film’s box office struggles.
Powell Faces Career Setback Following Box Office Disappointment
Glen Powell is reportedly struggling after the poor performance of The Running Man, which many insiders believed would cement his status as a leading Hollywood action star. According to sources, he viewed this high-profile project as a significant milestone, with aspirations that it would place him alongside prominent figures like Tom Cruise.
“He thought this was his Mission: Impossible moment,”
one insider said.
“He truly believed he was stepping into Cruise’s shoes — the stunts, the swagger, the global appeal,”
another insider commented.
The disappointment is particularly acute given the film’s opening numbers. With a budget of $110 million, The Running Man earned just $17 million at the domestic box office and achieved a worldwide total of $28.1 million in its first weekend. Studio executives labeled this outcome “a major global fail,” and the financial setback has hit Powell hard, as the narrative of his rise in Hollywood now faces new doubts.
“He had been told — repeatedly — that he was the next Cruise. Then one movie underperforms, and suddenly everyone’s quiet,”
a source noted.
The Running Man Lags in Competitive Release Environment
The Running Man premiered in theaters during a competitive period, releasing alongside Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, a sequel with a built-in audience expected to challenge Powell’s film directly. Industry observers projected that Powell’s movie could hold its own or secure a solid second-place finish. However, the film’s box office fell short, and reviews ranging from mixed to muted contributed to waning audience enthusiasm.
Industry Response and Powell’s Prospects
For several years, Glen Powell was identified as an emerging Hollywood action star, ready to succeed established names like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as they transition into later stages of their careers. Powell’s charisma and adaptability drove speculation about his looming blockbuster breakthrough, and support from fans helped raise expectations.
Despite the disappointment surrounding The Running Man, those within Powell’s circle remain confident about his ability to recover and continue pursuing leading roles. The setback has introduced a pause in the discussion of a Tom Cruise successor, but the broader industry narrative surrounding Powell’s career remains cautiously optimistic.
Details for this story were originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.com.
