Glen Powell Divulges The Secrets Tom Cruise Gave Him For Stunts In The Running Man

When you’re an actor stepping into a physically demanding, action-heavy role, who do you call for advice? For Glen Powell, the answer was simple: Tom Cruise. As Powell prepared to take on the lead role in Edgar Wright’s gritty remake of The Running Man, he reached out to his Top Gun: Maverick co-star and mentor for guidance. The result was a two-and-a-half-hour conversation packed with wisdom from Hollywood’s most legendary stunt performer.

How to Survive a Movie: Cruise’s Core Philosophy

Glen Powell knew that playing Ben Richards in The Running Man—a desperate man hunted for sport on a dystopian game show—meant getting his “ass kicked.” His character isn’t a trained super-spy or a seasoned fighter; he’s an ordinary person in an extraordinary, brutal situation. To make that feel authentic, Powell understood he would have to endure a grueling shoot. His question to Cruise was direct: “What is your advice on not only how to make these things look authentic for an audience, but how to survive a movie?”

Cruise’s response was built on two fundamental principles that have defined his career and allowed him to perform some of the most dangerous stunts ever captured on film.

Key Takeaway 1: Stunts Are as Painful as the Real Thing

The first piece of advice Cruise gave was a stark dose of reality. He emphasized that the physics of a stunt are the same as the physics of a real impact. There’s no movie magic that makes hitting a table any less painful.

“He’s like, you’ve got to really fortify your body because it’s like a normal fight—those physics are still the physics of what is actually happening,” Powell recalled Cruise explaining. “If you get slammed onto your back from a table, you’re going to feel that someone slammed you on the back from a table, and you’re going to do it 12 or 13 times.”

This advice underscores the physical toll that stunt work takes. Cruise’s message was clear: preparation is everything. An actor cannot simply show up on the day and expect to perform a stunt safely. It requires a dedicated regimen of physical conditioning to build the strength and resilience needed to withstand repeated impacts. This “fortification” of the body is not just for performance; it’s for survival.

Key Takeaway 2: Treat Stunts with Reverence

The second lesson from Cruise was about mindset. While stunts are meant to look spectacular, the process of creating them must be treated with the utmost seriousness and respect. Cruise, who has famously broken bones and pushed the limits of what is considered possible, knows better than anyone the risks involved.

“It was made very clear after talking to him that there was a real sense of discipline around these things, and to treat these stunts with reverence, because you can get extremely hurt,” Powell said. “He’s like, this is not messing around.”

This mentality is about more than just safety. It’s about a deep respect for the craft of stunt performance. Every stunt, no matter how small, must be meticulously planned, rehearsed, and executed. This discipline ensures not only the well-being of the performer but also the quality of the final product. It’s a professional approach that separates a reckless action from a controlled, cinematic moment.

The Privilege of Performing for an Audience

Beyond the practical advice on safety and preparation, Cruise also imparted a powerful lesson about the actor’s commitment to the audience. He framed the ability to perform one’s own stunts not as a burden, but as a “great privilege.” For Cruise, an actor’s willingness to put their body on the line is a crucial part of selling the story and justifying the price of a movie ticket.

“If they’re following you, they want to know that that’s the commitment,” Powell relayed. “If I want you to show up for me, I’ve got to show up for you.”

This perspective elevates stunt work from a simple physical act to a fundamental part of the actor’s contract with the audience. When viewers see an actor performing their own stunts, it deepens their connection to the character and the stakes of the story. There is no suspension of disbelief required when the person on screen is genuinely hanging off a cliff or engaged in a high-speed chase. It’s a level of authenticity that green screens and digital doubles can never fully replicate.

The Cruise Mentorship: Passing the Torch

The relationship between Tom Cruise and Glen Powell is a perfect example of a veteran star mentoring the next generation. Having worked together on Top Gun: Maverick, the two forged a bond built on a shared passion for filmmaking. Powell’s call to Cruise wasn’t just a casual chat; it was a student seeking wisdom from a master.

“To have him as a friend and a mentor to make sure that I survived this movie was extraordinary,” Glen Powell stated.

This mentorship is significant for Hollywood. In an era where CGI often dominates action sequences, Cruise remains the industry’s most vocal and visible champion of practical stunt work. By sharing his knowledge and philosophy with actors like Powell, he is ensuring that this tradition of high-stakes, authentic action filmmaking continues. It’s a passing of the torch that benefits not only the actors involved but also the audiences who crave visceral, real-world spectacle.

As Glen Powell steps into the spotlight as a leading man in one of the most anticipated action films of the year, he does so with the guidance of the industry’s best. The advice received is more than just a set of instructions; it’s a comprehensive philosophy about discipline, respect, and commitment—lessons that will undoubtedly shape his performance in The Running Man and his career for years to come.