Glen Powell Says Tom Cruise Spent Over 2 Hours Giving Him Advice for “The Running Man”: ‘Basically Told Me How Not to Die!’

Glen Powell Reveals Tom Cruise’s Stunt Advice for ‘The Running Man’

In a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, actor Glen Powell shared insights into the making of his upcoming movie, ‘The Running Man’, including some valuable advice he received from his co-star Tom Cruise. Powell, 37, disclosed that Cruise went above and beyond to guide him through the challenging stunt sequences in the film.

Powell recounted a particular stunt where he had to abseil down eight storeys of a building in freezing conditions while barely clothed and strapped into a harness. Reflecting on the experience, he humorously mentioned the awkward realisation that there was a crew member solely responsible for preventing him from accidentally kicking a window, leading to some comical moments on set.

During his conversation with Cruise, which Powell assumed would be a brief ten-minute call, the Hollywood icon generously spent over two hours imparting crucial advice on safety precautions and stunt techniques. Powell expressed his gratitude for Cruise’s detailed guidance, highlighting how the veteran actor emphasised the importance of staying safe while performing adrenaline-pumping stunts.

In addition to stunt advice, Cruise also offered Powell running lessons and suggested filming himself to improve his technique. Powell admitted that Cruise’s feedback was eye-opening, as it revealed nuances in his running style that he had not been aware of before. The actor acknowledged Cruise’s expertise in action sequences, as Cruise is renowned for executing his stunts with precision in various blockbuster films.

Christopher McQuarrie, who has directed several Mission: Impossible movies featuring Cruise, commended the actor’s multifaceted talents, noting that Cruise actively participates in all aspects of filming, from operating cameras to piloting planes. Cruise’s hands-on approach and dedication to perfecting every detail of a scene have earned him respect and admiration in the industry.

Powell expressed his appreciation for Cruise’s support and mentorship during the filming of ‘The Running Man’, citing Cruise’s positive feedback on his performance in the movie. Cruise’s endorsement of Powell and the rest of the cast at a recent screening underscored his camaraderie and encouragement towards his fellow actors, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere on set.

In a touching gesture of respect, Powell sought permission from Arnold Schwarzenegger before portraying the character of Ben Richards in ‘The Running Man’, a role Schwarzenegger portrayed in the original 1987 film. Schwarzenegger graciously approved Powell’s reinterpretation of the character, showcasing mutual respect and admiration between the actors.

‘The Running Man’ is set to premiere on November 14, promising audiences an action-packed and thrilling cinematic experience. With Powell’s dedication to portraying his character authentically and the invaluable guidance he received from Tom Cruise, the film is poised to captivate and entertain viewers with its high-octane stunts and compelling narrative.