Summary
Glen Powellhas fast become one of the most sought-after actors working in Hollywood today, and with plenty of exciting upcoming films, the hype around him does not look set to slow down anytime soon. Although Powell had small roles in film and television since the early 2000s, it was not until his breakout performance inTop Gun: Maverickthat he gained widespread recognition. Following this, Powell continued to gain acclaim in works like the Sydney Sweeney rom-comAnyone But You, the Richard Linklater dark comedyHit Man, and the disaster standalone sequelTwisters.
With someamazing Powell performancesbehind him, it makes sense that viewers would be curious about what’s next for rising star Powell. While details are sparse on some of Powell’s upcoming projects, they include collaborations with acclaimed filmmakers such as Edgar Wright and J.J. Abrams, fascinating dramas based on true stories, and even a sequel to one of his biggest successes.The future looks bright for Powell, as he’s proven his ability as a formidable leading man, and audiences have been incredibly receptive to his most recent outings as an actor.
6Huntington
Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow
Glen Powell will star inthe upcoming A24 revenge thrillerHuntingtonfrom director John Patton Ford.Huntingtonfollows Becket Redfellow (Powell), the heir to a multibillion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves, or at least what he thinks he deserves. Powell will be joined by Ed Harris and Margaret Qualley in supporting roles (viaDeadline). StudioCanal is fully financing the film, and as of July 2024, production has commenced with an expected 2025 release date.
Huntingtonfeatures a screenplay from Ford that was loosely based on the 1949 crime comedyKind Hearts and Coronetsby Robert Hamer and John Dighton. This British classic satirized the upper class and featured Alec Guinness playing eight different characters. Ford is known for previously directing theunderrated Aubrey Plaza movieEmily the Criminal, a unique crime thriller about a young woman whose student debt drew her into the criminal underworld.
Ford said in a statement aboutHuntingtton’srelease that he feels “tremendously privileged to make this film with StudioCanal, Blueprint Pictures, and Participant,” highlighting his delight about the fact that these companies"have chosen to make an original and progressive movie” before adding, “Glen Powell is the icing on the cake.” StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Joe Naftalin also released a joint statement saying they were “blown away by John’s film Emily The Criminal at Sundance” and described his script forHuntingtonas “wildly entertaining.”
5Monsanto
Glen Powell as Brent Wisner
The upcoming legal dramaMonsantowas acquired by Netflix following a positive reception at the Cannes Film Festival (viaVariety.)Monsantowill tell the true story of Brent Wisner, an upstart lawyer who took on the court case against the giant U.S. chemical company Monsanto on behalf of Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, used the company’s weed killer Roundup, and developed cancer. However, during the trial, Monsanto Company’s chief toxicologist testified to the safety of their product.
Powell stars as Wisner, who will be joined by Anthony Mackie as Johnson and Laura Dern as toxicologist Dr. Melinda Rogers.Monsantois directed by John Lee Hancock, who is known for having previously made films such asThe Blind SideandThe Founder.Hancock describedMonsantoas a contemporary David vs. Goliath storyand said his ambition was to tell a “smart, thoughtful and commercial legal drama that takes the audience on a human journey.”
Powell spoke positively about his role inMonsantoand said that he has always been fascinated by the true stories “of ordinary people against extraordinary odds.” Speaking of the importance of the film, Powell said, “This story encapsulates that spirit with a critical issue that affects us all.” Finally, Powell added, “It’s a privilege to bring it to audiences with an exceptional filmmaker and powerful cast.”
4The Running Man
Glen Powell as TBC
Director Edgar Wrightis set to direct a new adaptation of Stephen King’sThe Running Manfor Paramount Pictures. Glen Powell will star in this adaptation, which plans to re-imagine the story for new audiences and act asa remake of the previous 1987 film version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger(viaVariety.) This dystopian novel was first published by King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman and features a television show where convicted criminal ‘runners’ must escape death at the hands of professional killers.
Wright is best known for directing the satirical zombie filmShaun of the Dead, which starred his frequent collaborator Simon Pegg. In recent years, Wright has also written and directed acclaimed features such asBaby DriverandLast Night in Soho. Screenwriter Michael Bacall will co-writeThe Running Manscript with Wright (viaThe Wrap.) Bacall co-wrote the script for Wright’s previous film,Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, as well as other projects such as21 Jump StreetandProject X.
Currently, Powell is the only actor attached toThe Running Manand will likely be playing the novel and previous film protagonist, Ben Richards, an impoverished resident of the fictional Co-Op City. The story centers on Richards' desperate plea to gain money for his gravely ill daughter by participating in the violent reality showThe Running Man. The show follows Richards being pursued by several hunters who have been sent to kill him.
3Backdraft
A newremake of Kurt Russell’s 1991 Oscar-nominated thrillerBackdraftis seemingly in development, with Glen Powell attached.This original film was directed by Ron Howard with a script from Gregory Wildenand followed two rival firefighters and brothers who team up to investigate a series of fires involving oxygen-induced infernos called backdrafts in Chicago. Russell led the film with an impressive ensemble cast that also included Jennifer Jason Leigh, Donald Sutherland, and Robert De Niro.
Now, more than 30 years later, it looks likeBackdraftis set to return with Powell. This was announced by Brian Grazer, a producer and co-founder of Imagine Entertainment, during aCNBCinterview. Grazer mentioned the project when discussing his work with Imagine Entertainment, and he talked about several upcoming projects, including one with Powell’sAnyone But Youco-star Sydney Sweeney.
Some viewers may question if it’s necessary to make aBackdraftremake at this point, as it was a solid action film with special effects that still hold up today. The original Backdraft received three Academy Award nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Sound Editing, which was a testament to its impressive visuals and impact. However, with a rising star like Powell at the helm and the benefit of the improved potential of special effects,Backdraftwill be a great opportunity to improve upon an already beloved film and reintroduce it to modern audiences.
2Untitled J.J. Abrams Movie
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, J.J. Abrams has eyed Glen Powell for his next movie. While plot details are under wraps, reports indicate that Powell is in early discussions to star in Abrams' next film, although no deals have yet been confirmed. It makes sense that Abrams and Powell would choose to work together, as the two have already collaborated as producers on the documentary filmThe Blue Angels, a film about the Blue Angels pilots of the United States Navy.
Whiledetails on Abrams' upcoming film are sparse, it has been confirmed that it does not involve time travel, which means viewers can rule out this being the same project as his rumored homage toBack to the Futurewith Timothée Chalamet (viaGiant Freakin Robot.) As Abrams has not directed a feature film since the mixed reception toStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, this means his return to movies will be a highly anticipated release, especially with rising star Powell at the helm.
Abrams made a name for himself with impressive television credits, such as being the creator of the thriller sci-fi seriesAliasand co-creator of the iconic mystery seriesLost. Having revived franchises such asStar TrekandStar Warson the big screen, Abrams' next film with Powell has the potential to become a major upcoming release. While details of this project are few and far between, the idea of Abrams and Powell working together on a feature film is certainly an exciting prospect.
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1Top Gun 3
Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin
Glen Powell has made a name for himself in recent years as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after up-and-coming actors. A significant factor in Powell’s recent surge in popularity was his supporting role in the legacy sequel,Top Gun: Maverick. This long-awaited sequel to the 1986 filmTop Gunexceeded audiences' expectations by gaining an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, becoming the highest-grossing film of Tom Cruise’s career, and taking in an astounding $1.496 billion at the global box office (viaBox Office Mojo.)
While it has not been officially confirmed that Powell will reprise his role in a sequel toTop Gun: Maverick, he is expected to return toTop Gun 3,which is currently in the works at Paramount (viaVariety.) Reportedly,Top Gun: Maverickco-writer Ehren Kruger will pen the script for this sequel, and the studio hopes that Joseph Kosinski will return as director. Powell could return with Cruise and co-star Miles Teller for another thrilling story filled with high-altitude excitement.
Whilethe storyline forTop Gun 3has not been revealed, Miles Teller has previously discussed a potentialTop Gun: Mavericksequel involving his character Rooster, the son of Maverick’s late best friend, Goose. As Powell played Roosters rival LT Jake “Hangman” Seresin, there are plenty of opportunities for him to be involved in this sequel. Whatever storyline the filmmakers decide to pursue, ifTop Gun 3can maintain the success of its predecessor, it will be another impressive addition toGlen Powell’srecent hot streak of acclaimed roles that connect with audiences and critics alike.
