Glen Powell Shares Tom Cruise’s Life-Saving Stunt Advice
Glen Powell recently disclosed that Tom Cruise offered him crucial advice on “how not to die” before filming a risky stunt in his upcoming film, The Running Man. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Powell, who is 37, shared how his Top Gun: Maverick co-star, 63, dedicated an hour to teaching him survival techniques for action scenes.
Reflecting on one memorable stunt, Powell mentioned, “We had to rappel down eight stories in freezing temperatures, half-naked in a harness. It was nothing incredible.” He added a humorous note about a crew member whose sole responsibility was to prevent him from accidentally kicking a window, which led to some awkward moments.
Powell recounted that Cruise reached out to him before filming the scene, which he thought would just be a quick chat but transformed into a lengthy two-and-a-half-hour conversation. “Basically, he showed me how not to die!” Powell said, with a tone of appreciation.
During their conversation, Cruise also shared some unexpected advice on running, jokingly suggesting that Powell should record himself to realize he wasn’t as cool as he thought. “He was so right!” Powell laughed.
In further discussion, Powell detailed how Cruise emphasized the hard truth about stunt work. He noted that Cruise made it clear: performing stunts can be just as painful as real fights. “If you’re thrown onto a hard surface, it’s going to hurt just as much every time,” Powell explained, conveying the seriousness of physical discipline required in stunt acting.
Powell expressed how crucial it is to deliver authentic action, stating that it’s essential to make the films believable for viewers. “If I want them to show up, I have to show up for them too,” he noted, stressing the commitment required from actors.
“Cruise is one of the best actors and stunt performers,” he remarked, grateful for having him as a mentor during this project. Their shared expertise and dedication to realism in filmmaking were highlighted as vital aspects of their work.
The Running Man Release Details
Directed by Edgar Wright, The Running Man is scheduled for theatrical release on November 14th. The film’s synopsis reveals a dystopian future where a reality show pits contestants, known as Runners, against professional assassins. Viewers can expect intense action as these Runners strive to survive while being broadcast to a captivated audience.
In the film, Powell plays Ben Richards, a man driven to join the terrifying game in a desperate attempt to save his sick daughter. The stakes escalate with the public’s obsession and the constant threat of danger surrounding him. Other notable cast members include Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, and Michael Cera.
Cruise has been a supporter of Powell since they worked together on Top Gun: Maverick, recently sharing a photo from a screening of The Running Man where they enjoyed the experience with other cast members. “Another great night at the movies with friends!” he posted, celebrating their contributions to the film.
