Glen Powell has revealed he performed every major stunt himself in the upcoming action thriller The Running Man, hitting cinemas on November 14. The film, directed by Edgar Wright, is a reboot of the cult classic and stars Powell as Ben Richards, an out-of-work father forced to compete in a deadly televised game for survival.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Powell explained that authenticity was key to his performance, insisting audiences can tell when a double is used. He said he wanted viewers to see him take real hits on screen, even when that meant risking injury. The actor admitted he was repeatedly thrown off walls, over roofs, and even took punches to the face to capture the intensity of the story.
Powell begged Wright to make sure the action shots showed his face clearly, saying he wanted the audience to feel that it was him enduring the punishment. The actor described his work on The Running Man as his most physically demanding role so far, calling it a full-body challenge that left him with bruises and scars but also a deeper respect for the craft.
Much of his approach, Powell shared, came from advice he received from his Top Gun: Maverick co-star Tom Cruise. Before filming began, he called Cruise for guidance and ended up in a two-hour conversation about preparation, commitment, and the mindset required for high-stakes action. Cruise told him bluntly, “If it’s called The Running Man, you better show up ready to run.”
Powell said he carried that lesson throughout production, embracing every fall and fight with total dedication. He added that working with Edgar Wright felt like attending film school, describing the director as a “professor of precision and energy.”
With its mix of physical realism, futuristic tension, and old-school showmanship, The Running Man looks set to establish Powell as one of Hollywood’s most committed action stars. Fans can expect a gritty, full-contact performance when the film hits cinemas next month.
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