Arnold Schwarzenegger Warned ‘Running Man’ Star Glen Powell About Action-Hero Life
Glen Powell is stepping into the spotlight as a full-fledged action hero with the upcoming release of the new “Running Man” film. This role marks a significant milestone in Powell’s career, and he has received some priceless advice from none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, the legendary action star who originally brought “The Running Man” to life in 1987. Schwarzenegger’s words of wisdom, combined with insights from other action icons, have helped Powell navigate the intense physical and emotional demands of leading a high-stakes action movie.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Advice on Embracing the Action-Hero Lifestyle
During the premiere of “The Running Man,” Glen Powell shared with People magazine how Arnold Schwarzenegger reacted after watching the new film. Schwarzenegger was not only impressed but also enthusiastic about Powell’s performance. “He lost his mind for it,” Powell recalled. However, Schwarzenegger also offered a cautionary note about the challenges that come with being an action hero.
Powell explained, “He told me, and every single one of my buddies who have starred in action movies told me this, that I might not fully realize what it means to be out in front of an action movie where the entire world is hunting this one guy.” This statement highlights the intensity and pressure that come with carrying a major action film, especially one as physically demanding and emotionally charged as “The Running Man.”
The original “Running Man,” directed by Paul Michael Glaser and starring Schwarzenegger, was based on Stephen King’s dystopian novel. The new adaptation aims to stay closer to the book’s original premise, adding a fresh layer of depth and complexity to the story. Schwarzenegger gave Powell his full blessing to take on this iconic role, which Powell deeply appreciates. “Arnold gave us his blessing,” Powell said. “His son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, is a great friend of mine, and I asked Patrick if I could talk to Arnold. I hadn’t seen Arnold since we shot ‘Expendables’ in Bulgaria.”
Learning From Action Legends: Stallone and Cruise’s Impact on Powell
Arnold Schwarzenegger is not the only action star who has influenced Glen Powell’s approach to this demanding genre. Powell previously worked alongside Sylvester Stallone in “Expendables 3,” and he recalls a memorable piece of advice from the veteran actor. Stallone told him, “At the end of every day, you win or you lose.” This mindset reflects the relentless determination required to succeed in the action world.
Stallone also gave Powell some unconventional fitness tips. While Powell was working out in the gym, Stallone noticed he was wearing long sleeves and not showing off his physique. Stallone advised him to focus on building “the traps and the forearms,” which he called “cinema muscles.” This advice underscores the importance of not just physical fitness but also how an action star presents themselves on screen.
In addition to Stallone’s guidance, Powell received crucial stunt safety tips from Tom Cruise, his co-star in “Top Gun: Maverick.” Powell described a particularly challenging stunt where he had to abseil down eight stories in freezing conditions. Cruise called him for what was supposed to be a brief chat but ended up lasting two and a half hours, during which Cruise shared detailed advice on how to stay safe and avoid injury on set. “He basically told me how not to die!” Powell joked.
Cruise also gave Powell practical advice on how to improve his on-screen presence, especially when running in action scenes. “He said, ‘You should film yourself running because you don’t look as cool as you think you do.’ He was so right,” Powell admitted.
The Physical and Emotional Demands of ‘The Running Man’
Taking on the lead role in “The Running Man” is no small feat. Powell described the film as “very physical” and “very emotional,” emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the character he portrays. The movie’s plot centers around a dystopian world where the protagonist is hunted by the entire society, making the stakes incredibly high and the action sequences intense.
Powell’s commitment to authenticity and physicality is evident in the stunts he performed and the emotional depth he brought to the role. From high-risk sequences to emotionally charged moments, Powell’s performance aims to honor the legacy of the original film while bringing a fresh perspective to the story.
The new “Running Man” also features a talented supporting cast, including Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, and Jayme Lawson, all contributing to a dynamic and compelling narrative.
Conclusion
Glen Powell’s journey into the action-hero realm has been shaped by invaluable advice from Arnold Schwarzenegger and other legendary actors like Sylvester Stallone and Tom Cruise. Their guidance has helped Powell prepare for the physical challenges, emotional intensity, and high expectations that come with leading a major action film like “The Running Man.” With Schwarzenegger’s blessing and the support of his peers, Powell is ready to make his mark in the action genre.
If you’re excited to see Glen Powell’s transformation into an action star and want to stay updated on the latest entertainment news, be sure to follow our coverage and catch “The Running Man” when it hits theaters. Don’t miss out on this thrilling new chapter in action cinema!
