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Glen Powell Reveals Tom Cruise’s Essential Stunt Safety Tips for ‘The Running Man’
Glen Powell recently disclosed how Tom Cruise provided him with invaluable advice on avoiding perilous situations while filming daring stunts for the upcoming movie ‘The Running Man.’
During a recent segment on ‘The Graham Norton Show,’ the 37-year-old actor opened up about a lengthy conversation he had with the iconic 63-year-old star of ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ Known for his commitment to performing his own stunts, Cruise took the time to share crucial safety insights with Powell, which lasted an impressive two and a half hours.
Preparing for the Danger of Stunts
Powell recounted a particularly challenging scene where he had to descend eight stories of a building in freezing conditions while wearing minimal clothing and a restrictive harness. He humorously noted the presence of a crew member assigned solely to ensure he did not accidentally kick a window during the stunt. This led Powell to ponder the unusual perspective the safety officer had while filming such a demanding sequence.
A Call That Lasted Hours
In reflecting on his conversation with Cruise, Powell remarked on the unexpected length of the call. What initially seemed like a brief chat turned into an extensive session filled with guidance on how to maintain safety during intense action scenes. Powell humorously recalled that Cruise’s principal message was straightforward: how to avoid dangerous situations.
“Tom rang me to give me the low down,” Powell said. “What I thought would be a 10-minute call lasted two and a half hours. He basically told me how not to die!”
Insightful Tips on Performance
Beyond safety, Powell also noted that Cruise offered advice on enhancing his on-screen presence. Cruise suggested that Powell film himself while running to evaluate his form, emphasizing that he might not appear as cool as he believed.
“He was so right,” Powell affirmed, acknowledging the importance of looking convincing while executing action sequences.
Mentorship from an Action Icon
During a prior interview with Entertainment Weekly, Powell elaborated on the mentorship he received from Cruise. He expressed appreciation for the seasoned actor’s insights into the physical demands of stunt work. Cruise stressed the importance of understanding that stunts carry real risks and require significant physical preparation.
“He clearly described what that journey looks like,” Powell shared. “Stunts are just as painful as the real thing. If you’re slammed onto your back from a table, you will certainly feel that impact, especially after doing it multiple times.”
Emphasizing Discipline in Stunt Work
The insights from Cruise highlighted the discipline necessary in executing stunts responsibly. Powell conveyed that Cruise, who has experienced numerous injuries throughout his career, emphasized the seriousness of the craft.
“Tom made it clear that there is a genuine need to treat these stunts with respect,” Powell noted. “He understands the risks better than anyone since he has broken every bone in his body.”
A Shared Responsibility
Powell reiterated a key takeaway from his conversation with Cruise: performing stunts is not only an honor but also a responsibility. He stressed that actors owe it to their audience to portray action scenes realistically.
“Cruise explained that doing your own stunts is a significant privilege,” he remarked. “It’s essential to convince the viewers that your performance is genuine and justifies their ticket purchase.”
Celebrating Collaboration in Cinema
Powell reflected on his gratitude for having Cruise as both a colleague and mentor. He appreciated the support that Cruise provided during the filming of ‘The Running Man’.
“Tom is not only one of the greatest actors out there, but also one of the best stunt performers,” Powell stated. “Having him as a friend to ensure I navigated this film safely was extraordinary.”
The Upcoming Release of ‘The Running Man’
Directed by Edgar Wright, ‘The Running Man’ is scheduled for release in theaters on November 14. Set in a dystopian future, the film portrays a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must endure 30 days of evasion while being hunted by skilled assassins, all broadcasted to an eager audience. Powell plays Ben Richards, a desperate father who enters the competition to save his ill daughter.
The movie promises an edge-of-your-seat experience as Richards becomes an unlikely crowd favorite, challenging both the Hunters and the societal obsession with watching his struggle. Alongside Powell, the film features an ensemble cast including Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, and Emilia Jones.
A Mentor’s Support Beyond Filming
Since co-starring alongside Powell in ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ Cruise has continued to support his career. Recently, Cruise attended a screening of ‘The Running Man’, sharing photos on social media with Powell and expressing his excitement for the project.
“Another great night out with my friends at the movies!” Cruise captioned one photo, celebrating Powell’s accomplishments while hinting at the film’s impressive nature.
As ‘The Running Man’ approaches its release date, audiences can anticipate a thrilling cinematic journey. With insights from seasoned veterans like Tom Cruise and the dynamic talent of Glen Powell, it promises to be a memorable addition to the action genre.
