Glen Powell was determined to make sure everyone knew he did his own stunts in The Running Man. After capturing hearts worldwide as the confident pilot Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick, Powell didn’t just rely on his charisma—he sought advice from none other than Tom Cruise, the quintessential action star known for performing his own dangerous stunts. In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, Powell shared how he reached out to Cruise for guidance before diving into the physically demanding role. "Tom Cruise isn’t just a legendary actor; he’s arguably one of the best stunt performers in the industry," Powell said. "I called him and asked, ‘What do I really need to know?’ What I expected to be a quick chat turned into an eye-opening two-hour mentoring session. He broke down exactly how he prepares for every film, emphasizing, ‘If your movie is called The Running Man, you better be ready to run.’"
What’s truly gripping is Powell’s insistence that the director, Edgar Wright, made it clear on camera that these intense stunts were all him—no doubles hiding behind the lens. Powell described scenes when he was literally thrown off rooftops, slammed into walls, and punched hard in the stomach. He recalls pleading with Wright, "You’re shooting this like someone else is doing it, but when I take a real hit to the face, it’s me risking it all. Please, make sure the audience knows it’s me giving it everything I’ve got."
Powell’s passion is refreshing: he admires entertainers who don’t settle for half-measures. "Sometimes you walk away with bruises—that's part of the craft," he confessed. "This is tough work; you can’t just do it halfway. It’s about commitment, putting your body on the line to create an unforgettable experience for the audience."
Edgar Wright, who directed The Running Man from a script co-written with Michael Bacall, also serves as producer alongside Nira Park and Simon Kinberg. The film’s cast is a diverse mix of rising stars and veterans. Alongside Powell, Katy O’Brian—known for her breakthrough in Love Lies Bleeding and sharing the screen with Powell in Twisters—plays a contestant. Daniel Ezra, famous for his role as Spencer James on the CW’s All American, and Josh Brolin, who takes on the antagonist role of a ruthless TV executive, bring weight to the story.
Other notable cast members include Lee Pace (known from Halt and Catch Fire) as a relentless hunter, Michael Cera portraying a well-meaning rebel, Emilia Jones (Oscar-winning for CODA) as a sheltered woman blind to governmental oppression, and David Zayas (Dexter) as Richard Manuel. Colman Domingo, the host of the violent reality show within the film, promises a prize with high stakes. Adding even more intrigue, former MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry plays a formidable runner, while Jayme Lawson and William H. Macy appear in roles yet to be detailed.
This adrenaline-packed thriller is set to hit theaters on November 14, promising audiences a pulse-pounding experience.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Should stunt performers always get the spotlight, or does highlighting actors in these moments overshadow the skilled professionals who often take the risks? Powell’s plea to Edgar Wright raises interesting questions about recognition and credit in film stunts. What do you think—is it fair for actors to front all the danger, or should the unseen stunt doubles get more of the glory?
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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