Glen Powell Shares Unforgettable Tom Cruise Stories During Top Gun: Maverick Journey
ICARO Media Group
In a recent interview with GQ UK magazine, actor Glen Powell opened up about his experiences working with Hollywood legend Tom Cruise on the highly anticipated film, "Top Gun: Maverick." Powell, who auditioned for a different role but was ultimately cast as Hangman, revealed some fascinating anecdotes that highlighted Cruise's professionalism, generosity, and unique approach to filmmaking.
One of the standout moments for Powell was when Cruise personally flew him back to London via helicopter from Pinewood studios, where they were shooting reshoots for "Top Gun: Maverick." In what initially seemed like a thrilling adventure, Cruise playfully pretended the helicopter was going down, leaving Powell wondering if he would be the unnamed guy who crashes alongside Cruise in the middle of London.
Another cherished memory involved Cruise's dedication to sharing his knowledge and passion for filmmaking. Powell was invited to a theater in Los Angeles, expecting to join a crowd, but instead found himself alone in an empty theater with Cruise. For six hours, Powell watched a "film school" video that Cruise had put together exclusively for his friends. The video featured Cruise breaking down various aspects of the filmmaking process, from camera techniques to the intricacies of flying. It became evident that Cruise's intention was solely to educate and inspire those close to him, as he had no plans to release the video to the public.
Powell also revealed that Cruise provided him with valuable career advice during their time on set. According to the younger star, Cruise emphasized the importance of movies resonating with universal emotions and touching on anxieties that everyone can relate to. This counsel from Cruise, who has consistently delivered global hits throughout his career, left a lasting impact on Powell's approach to his craft.
Furthermore, Powell discussed his journey in Hollywood, acknowledging the setbacks he faced during auditions for iconic roles such as Captain America and Han Solo. Despite these disappointments, Powell's career trajectory has taken a turn for the better, with his box office hit in 2020's "Anyone but You" and his forthcoming role as a co-lead in this summer's highly anticipated film "Twisters."
Regarding future superhero roles, Powell expressed disinterest but made an exception for Batman, stating that he has always had a special affinity for the character. He shared that his take on Batman would be closer to the tone set by the beloved Michael Keaton incarnation rather than the recent Matt Reeves adaptation.
Additionally, Powell discussed the shifting dynamics of Hollywood and how the success of actors like Chris Pratt and Chris Hemsworth in Marvel films influenced the industry's perceptions of leading men. He noted that the industry tends to follow trends, favoring specific types of actors based on current success stories. Powell recognized the impact of Pratt and Hemsworth's ability to blend action and humor, finding that filmmakers were more receptive to his own unique talents as a result.
With his time on "Top Gun: Maverick" and his rising popularity in Hollywood, Glen Powell is poised to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry. As he continues to pursue diverse roles and forge his own path, Powell remains grateful for the incredible experiences he shared with his co-star and friend, Tom Cruise.