Glen Powell’s Unlikely Rise: From Underdog to ‘Running Man’ Star

Powell’s Path: An Underdog in the Spotlight

Hollywood is often accused of churning out stars who are more brand than human. But Glen Powell, with his relaxed Texas charm and quietly determined attitude, seems to defy that stereotype. As he takes on the role of Ben Richards in the reboot of ‘The Running Man,’ Powell isn’t interested in becoming the next Schwarzenegger. He’s more interested in being himself—a self-described underdog who’s made it this far by refusing to play the Hollywood game by its usual rules.

Powell’s journey to this moment hasn’t been a straight shot. He grew up in Texas, moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of acting, and then made the unusual decision to return home to Austin as his star began to rise. “I don’t find myself to be exceptional,” Powell told reporters, distancing himself from the larger-than-life action heroes of the 1980s. Unlike the musclebound soldiers and cops that defined that era, Powell’s Ben Richards is an ordinary man thrown into extraordinary circumstances—a father desperate to win life-saving medicine for his daughter, with nothing but grit and a short fuse.

Rebooting ‘The Running Man’: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Odds

Powell’s new film, directed by Edgar Wright, returns to the original spirit of Stephen King’s dystopian novel. Set in a near-future America, it presents a world where desperate contestants are hunted on live television for the amusement of a divided society. The stakes are personal, not just spectacle. Powell’s character is battered, bruised, and forced into wild escapes—including abseiling down a building in just a bath towel—reminding viewers that he’s not a superhuman, but a survivor.

Before the film’s release, Powell and Wright screened the movie for Schwarzenegger himself. The legendary action star’s response was telling: “Oh, I feel so bad for you… It must have hurt!” Powell recalled. Schwarzenegger knows the physical toll of such roles, and his blessing was a milestone for Powell—a symbolic passing of the torch, but also a recognition of Powell’s willingness to endure for the sake of authenticity.

Lessons in Fame: Tom Cruise’s Advice and Navigating Hollywood Noise

If Powell’s ascent has seemed smooth from the outside, it’s been anything but. After his breakout role as Hangman in 2022’s ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ Powell found himself in the whirlwind of Hollywood attention. Fortunately, he had a mentor in Tom Cruise, who offered advice that Powell still leans on: “It’s your job to just turn the volume down. You have your hand on that switch.”

The value of that advice became clear as Powell navigated the complexities of fame. The release of ‘Anyone But You,’ his romantic comedy with Sydney Sweeney, was marked by rumors of an off-screen romance—rumors that Powell later admitted were played up for marketing purposes. While the strategy worked wonders for the film’s visibility, it took a personal toll. Powell’s former partner, Gigi Paris, spoke publicly about how the publicity affected their relationship, describing a rift that deepened as Powell’s career accelerated.

Powell responded to Paris’s account with grace, acknowledging the difficulty of relationships in the public eye: “Relationships are really hard. And when two people break up, they each go to their own brunch, and they will each tell their own narrative.” The comment is emblematic of Powell’s approach—respectful, honest, and aware that stardom doesn’t shield anyone from real life’s messiness.

Hollywood’s Wild West: Taking Initiative and Shaping Destiny

Powell’s career is a testament to initiative. He’s not just an actor waiting for the phone to ring; he’s a writer, producer, and creative force. Following the path of icons like Stallone—who famously wrote ‘Rocky’ and insisted on playing the lead—Powell has co-written and starred in projects like ‘Hit Man,’ and landed a deal for his production company with Universal Pictures. He’s even set to lead a new fantasy film from J.J. Abrams.

“Hollywood, it’s the Wild West right now,” Powell observed. The rules are changing, and those who thrive are those willing to adapt, create, and take risks. Powell’s willingness to move through the industry with initiative, rather than nostalgia, sets him apart from many of his peers.

Between Reality and Illusion: Deepfakes, AI, and the Future of Entertainment

‘The Running Man’ isn’t just a physical challenge for Powell’s character—it’s a commentary on a society saturated with spectacle, where reality and illusion blur. Powell notes the eerie relevance of King’s original vision: a world obsessed with carnage, driven by divisive leaders, deepfake videos, and a health care crisis. “We do live in this TikTok universe,” Powell said. “We are seeing carnage… and yet we’re sort of away from it. You don’t engage with it as a human anymore.”

Powell himself has been the subject of deepfake videos—an experience that’s both surreal and unsettling, given how easily truth can be manipulated for entertainment. The film explores these themes head-on, challenging viewers to ask: Where do you get your news from, and who controls the information you consume?

The convergence of technology and entertainment is rewriting the rules, and Powell’s willingness to engage with these questions—on screen and off—marks him as a thoughtful voice in an industry often driven by sensation.

Glen Powell’s journey illustrates the tension between ordinary humanity and the machinery of modern stardom. By embracing vulnerability, taking initiative, and learning from mentors, Powell has carved out a space that feels both authentic and timely. His latest role isn’t just a reboot—it’s a reflection of a changing Hollywood, where the most compelling heroes are those who dare to be real.