Glen Powell’s Rise: From ‘Top Gun’ Wingman to Hollywood’s Next Leading Man

Can Glen Powell Fill Hollywood’s Movie Star Void?

For decades, Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters have been driven by the gravitational pull of true movie stars—those rare actors whose mere presence can turn an ordinary film into a box office phenomenon. But as franchises and superheroes increasingly eclipse personalities, industry insiders and fans alike have wondered: who will step up as the next Tom Cruise? In 2025, one name keeps surfacing—Glen Powell.

Learning from the Best: Powell’s Evolution After ‘Top Gun’

Powell’s journey didn’t begin overnight. More than twenty years have passed since his first acting role, yet it was his breakout turn as Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick”—alongside Tom Cruise—that launched him into the Hollywood stratosphere. Suddenly, Powell wasn’t just another face in the crowd; he was the actor audiences couldn’t stop talking about.

But Powell’s ascent is more than a story of lucky timing. He’s meticulously followed the playbook of Cruise, not only by performing his own stunts but by choosing roles that showcase his range—from romantic comedies to high-octane action. In “Anyone but You” (2023), his chemistry with Sydney Sweeney revived the rom-com genre, pulling in over $220 million globally. That success, coupled with leading roles in the storm-chasing thriller “Twisters” and Hulu’s offbeat comedy “Chad Powers,” confirmed Powell’s versatility and bankability.

‘The Running Man’: A Career-Defining Challenge

This fall, Powell faces his boldest test yet: stepping into the shoes once filled by Arnold Schwarzenegger for a fresh adaptation of “The Running Man.” The original film, based on Stephen King’s dystopian novel, was a showcase for Schwarzenegger’s physicality and screen presence. Now, director Edgar Wright believes Powell is uniquely equipped to bring a modern edge to the role of Ben Richards—a desperate everyman forced to compete in a deadly televised game show.

“He wanted to do as much as he could on camera,” Wright told Business Insider, noting Powell’s eagerness to perform his own stunts. Wright also highlighted Powell’s rare “down-home appeal,” explaining, “To me, he can still play the everyman.” That ability to balance relatable vulnerability with action-star bravado is precisely what studios crave in an era where authentic charisma is at a premium.

Powell’s commitment was so thorough, he reportedly turned to Cruise for advice on stunt work and the art of movie-star running—a nod to the physical trademarks that made Cruise an icon. But Powell isn’t simply copying Cruise’s formula; he’s rewriting it for a new generation. He’s avoided superhero franchises and instead focuses on stories where his persona is the main draw, a strategy that’s earned him glowing praise from studio executives and creative collaborators alike.

Comedy and Character: ‘Chad Powers’ and the Art of the Absurd

If Powell’s movie-star credentials are forged in action, his comedic chops shine in “Chad Powers.” Developed with longtime friend Michael Waldron, the Hulu series springs from a seemingly “stupidest idea ever”: a disgraced football player (Powell) dons prosthetics and attempts a comeback at a struggling college. Waldron told Gold Derby, “It was either gonna be Glen or me. … He’s the full package. Everything that makes him this great leading man and an action star … made it so exciting to have him play this insane, ridiculous part on TV.”

What could have been a one-note joke instead became a surprisingly grounded, human story. Waldron and Powell leaned into the absurd premise but treated the characters and emotional stakes seriously. The writers drew inspiration from series like “Eastbound & Down” for its unfiltered sports comedy and “Breaking Bad” for its tension around a central lie. The result: a show that’s funny, heartfelt, and uniquely Powell’s own.

Critical Reception: Action, Charisma, and Social Commentary

With “The Running Man” now in theaters, critics are taking note of Powell’s kinetic energy and ability to anchor intense action. The Seattle Times describes the film as a “pulse-pounding blitz of kinetic carnage,” with Powell magnetic in nearly every frame. Yet the film’s commentary on wealth inequality and social humiliation, while prescient, occasionally stumbles—raising questions about how much weight a star can carry when the story itself wavers.

Still, Powell’s performance is at the center of the conversation. His ability to embody both the underdog and the unstoppable force is turning heads, fueling speculation that he may be Hollywood’s best shot at recapturing the elusive magic of the movie-star era.

Hollywood’s Future: Can Powell Lead the Way?

Powell himself is quick to point out that “no one will ever replace Tom Cruise.” Yet, as Cruise approaches his mid-sixties, the industry faces a crossroads. Powell is not only putting “butts in seats”—he’s proving that a star’s unique brand can still drive audiences to theaters, even as the landscape shifts toward streaming and digital engagement.

Behind the scenes, Powell’s social savvy and genuine enthusiasm for the craft have earned him allies and admirers. His willingness to take risks, embrace the absurd, and push his physical limits is reminiscent of the greats, but with a distinctly modern edge. Whether he becomes the next Tom Cruise or simply carves out his own lane, Powell is making a compelling case for the enduring power of personality in Hollywood.

Glen Powell’s rise isn’t just about replacing a legend—it’s about proving that authentic star power, adaptability, and grounded humanity can still thrive in an industry searching for its next icon. If Hollywood’s future belongs to those who dare to run, Powell is already out front.