Glen Powell has become a leading man in Hollywood, thanks to his breakout role in "Top Gun: Maverick." He credits Cruise for mentoring him, and he remains true to his Texas roots despite the demands of success.
Glen Powell, the charismatic actor who captivated audiences in "Top Gun: Maverick," has emerged as one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men. His journey to stardom has been marked by bold moves, a close relationship with Tom Cruise, and a deep connection to his Texas roots.
Powell's acting career began in his native Texas at age 13, when he landed a role in Robert Rodriguez's "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over." After a few minor roles, he landed his first major break in "The Great Debaters" after impressing Denzel Washington with his determination.
Glen Powell: Hollywood's Rising Star Navigates Stardom with Cruise's Guidance and a Texas Heart
It was while filming "Top Gun: Maverick" that Powell's career took off. He caught Cruise's attention by boldly critiquing the initial script, leading to a pivotal role change that showcased Powell's charm and talent. Cruise's mentorship and guidance proved invaluable, as Powell recounted in an interview with British GQ.
"I said my piece to Tom about what I do and what I do well, and he listened," Powell said. "Tom's a listener. He listens to the crew members, he listens to his collaborators, and he hears people."
Glen Powell: Hollywood's Rising Star Navigates Stardom with Cruise's Guidance and a Texas Heart
Powell's performance in "Top Gun: Maverick" earned critical acclaim and made him a household name. The film's box office success, despite its delayed release due to COVID-19, changed Powell's life.
"I'd never made any significant amount of money on a movie, including 'Top Gun,' and I was depleting a bank account to a point where my accountant was like, 'This pandemic cannot last much longer,'" Powell told The Hollywood Reporter.
Glen Powell: Hollywood's Rising Star Navigates Stardom with Cruise's Guidance and a Texas Heart
Despite his newfound fame, Powell remains grounded and connected to his Texas roots. He credits fellow Texan Matthew McConaughey for inspiring him to move from Los Angeles to Austin.
"Hollywood is the Matrix, man. You plug in and it's all fake world," McConaughey advised Powell. "Then I go to Austin, and I unplug. It's all real. Those are my friends, that's my family, my actions matter there."
Glen Powell: Hollywood's Rising Star Navigates Stardom with Cruise's Guidance and a Texas Heart
Powell's career has continued to flourish beyond "Top Gun: Maverick." He served as an executive producer on his WWII drama "Devotion" and produced and co-wrote his 2023 film "Hit Man," which was a critical and streaming success on Netflix.
However, Powell remains committed to theatrical releases, believing that they can have a greater cultural impact than streaming.
Glen Powell: Hollywood's Rising Star Navigates Stardom with Cruise's Guidance and a Texas Heart
"If we make this on a streamer, it won't have any cultural impact," Powell said of his film "Anyone But You," which co-starred Sydney Sweeney. "And everyone was saying rom-coms were dead theatrically, so we knew we could get hosed, but we thought, 'Let's take the gamble,' because what if we could bring them back?"
Powell's future slate is packed with exciting projects, including the dramatic thriller "Huntington," the legal drama "Monsanto," and a remake of "The Running Man" with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is also set to reprise his role in "Top Gun 3."
Glen Powell: Hollywood's Rising Star Navigates Stardom with Cruise's Guidance and a Texas Heart
"I know it's a lot," Powell told The New York Times, "but I'm kind of going full-tilt right now for a reason. There is a moment in Hollywood when you have political capital, and you have to spend it before you lose it."
Glen Powell's journey from Texas to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his talent, determination, and the guidance of key mentors like Tom Cruise. As he navigates the demands of fame, he remains anchored in his Texas roots and committed to making an impact on audiences both on and off the screen.
Glen Powell: Hollywood's Rising Star Navigates Stardom with Cruise's Guidance and a Texas Heart
