Glen Powell has revealed that one of the most valuable pieces of preparation for his upcoming action role in The Running Man did not happen on a set, in a gym, or during stunt rehearsal. It happened over the phone with Tom Cruise.
According to Powell, what began as a simple call for advice quickly evolved into a 120-minute masterclass on movement, endurance, and the hidden discipline behind one of action cinema’s most deceptively difficult skills: running on screen. As Powell prepares for Edgar Wright’s new take on The Running Man, he said Cruise approached the topic with the same precision and obsession for detail that has defined his own blockbuster career for decades.
Powell explained that he initially wanted guidance on a specific sprint sequence tied to the film’s more dangerous action beats. Instead of offering a few quick pointers, Cruise reportedly broke the craft down piece by piece. He discussed posture, breathing, pacing, camera awareness, and how a run has to communicate more than speed. In a major action film, a run must also carry emotion, urgency, fear, and determination. That, Powell suggested, was the real lesson Cruise passed on.
The exchange also underscored why Cruise remains such a towering figure for a younger generation of action stars. He is not simply known for performing daring stunts, but for treating every physical movement as part of the storytelling. Powell’s account paints a picture of Cruise as both mentor and technician, someone who understands that audiences can instantly tell the difference between movement that looks performed and movement that feels lived-in.
For Powell, that lesson is especially meaningful given the demands of The Running Man, a project that is already attracting attention for its intense physicality. The new version, directed by Edgar Wright, is expected to bring a sharper, more kinetic edge to the dystopian survival story, and Powell appears to be embracing the challenge fully. His comments suggest that he is not approaching the role as just another action part, but as a chance to elevate his screen presence in a genre where authenticity matters.
What makes the story especially compelling is the generosity behind Cruise’s involvement. Powell said Cruise even offered to review training footage, a detail that perfectly captures the older star’s reputation for total commitment. It is one thing to give advice. It is another to remain invested enough to watch, assess, and refine someone else’s preparation. That kind of mentorship reveals a serious professional respect between the two actors.
Powell’s reflection, “He taught me to keep running,” resonates as more than a comment about stunt work. It sounds like a broader philosophy, one rooted in discipline, resilience, and relentless forward motion. Cruise has built an entire career on that mindset, turning physical commitment into a defining part of his screen identity. Now, as Powell steps into one of his most demanding roles yet, that same mentality may help shape the next phase of his career.
If The Running Man delivers the visceral intensity Powell is chasing, this two-hour phone call may end up being one of the film’s most important behind-the-scenes moments.