Tom Cruise’s Game-Changing Advice to Glen Powell: ‘Film Yourself Running ASAP’
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In a candid moment at CinemaCon, Glen Powell revealed some brutally honest advice he received from Hollywood legend Tom Cruise while preparing for his role in the upcoming action thriller The Running Man. Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion, turned to Cruise for tips on executing stunts and perfecting his running style—something that Cruise, with his iconic stunt work in the Mission: Impossible series, knows all too well.
Tom Cruise’s Tough Love on Running
Powell, who is set to star in The Running Man, shared at CinemaCon how Cruise’s feedback was both blunt and invaluable. Powell recounted Cruise’s advice, saying, “Film yourself running as soon as possible. You don’t look as cool as you think you do.” This unfiltered remark was a reminder to Powell that even experienced actors need to perfect the details, especially in action roles where every movement counts.
It’s no secret that Tom Cruise is known for performing many of his own stunts, especially in the Mission: Impossible franchise, where his intense physicality and precision have become a hallmark of his performances. Powell’s anecdote highlights how Cruise’s hands-on approach to filmmaking and commitment to pushing the limits serves as both inspiration and a reality check for up-and-coming actors like him.
The Running Man: An Action-Packed Thriller
The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, is set in an oppressive future where the government controls the media. The film follows the character of Ben Richards, played by Powell, who volunteers to take part in a dangerous game show where contestants are hunted by professional killers. With its dystopian backdrop and high-stakes action, the film promises to be an intense ride, making Powell’s preparation all the more crucial.
At CinemaCon, Powell joined director Edgar Wright and fellow cast members Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo to discuss their excitement for the upcoming release, which is set for November 7, 2025. The panel was filled with reflections on their shared love for the cinematic experience, with Powell specifically noting how Cruise’s passion for film inspired him.
A Cinematic Journey with Mentorship and Passion
Powell also spoke about how his admiration for cinema deepened after observing Cruise’s enthusiasm for the craft. He explained, “He’s a guy that doesn’t hide his excitement about what this means, you know, the theatrical experience, and working hard and investing and putting your body on the line to entertain audiences.” This praise underscores not just Cruise’s iconic status in Hollywood, but also his genuine love for the art of filmmaking, which continues to inspire actors across generations.
Director Edgar Wright echoed Powell’s sentiments when discussing the importance of being an audience member first. “As a director, I’m an audience member first and foremost,” Wright said. “To make films you have to be the audience as well. What I think as a filmmaker, is you are always chasing that electric feeling that you had watching a film [in a theater with an audience].” This focus on the shared experience between filmmakers and viewers highlights the emotional core that drives Wright’s work.
Josh Brolin, too, reflected on the profound impact cinema has had on him. He recalled, “It’s a personal experience and when the lights go down, you are available to the power of story. I don’t think anything can replace that.” These sentiments reinforce the passion that drives The Running Man and its cast to create something truly unforgettable for audiences.
Looking Ahead to The Running Man
As Powell and the cast prepare for the film’s release in November 2025, it’s clear that both the advice from Cruise and the shared experiences of the filmmakers have shaped Powell’s journey into this action-packed role. With a mix of high-octane stunts, a compelling dystopian narrative, and the mentorship of Hollywood’s finest, The Running Man promises to be a thrilling addition to the genre, one that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
As Powell continues to prepare for the intense physical demands of his role, it’s evident that the impact of Tom Cruise’s tough love and guidance will remain with him, helping him bring his best to the screen in The Running Man.