Glen Powell’s hopes to extend the Tom Cruise action hero legacy have hit a significant roadblock, as his recent film, The Running Man, struggled in its opening weekend. The movie’s disappointing box office results have left Powell reeling, with sources describing him as both embarrassed and shaken by the unexpected turn.
Powell Faces Disappointment After High Hopes for Breakout Role
According to sources close to the situation, Glen Powell viewed The Running Man as his opportunity to join Hollywood’s elite action stars, including Tom Cruise. The big-budget film, costing $110 million to produce, opened to only $17 million domestically and saw a global total of $28.1 million in its debut weekend—figures considered a major letdown by studio executives. Observers say the lackluster performance has weighed heavily on Powell, who had invested his hopes in the film’s success.
Rob Shuter, a well-placed source, remarked on Powell’s ambition to take on the genre’s biggest shoes:
“He thought this was his Mission: Impossible moment,”
one insider claimed. Powell’s intent was clear—to replicate the stunts, charm, and international appeal that have defined Tom Cruise’s career.
“He truly believed he was stepping into Cruise’s shoes — the stunts, the swagger, the global appeal.”
– Insider
Mixed Reviews and Competitive Releases Lead to Setback
The film entered theaters at the same time as Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, a franchise with an established following and robust marketing backing. Industry analysts had predicted a tight battle at the box office, if not a competitive second-place showing from Powell’s movie. Despite these forecasts, The Running Man struggled, hampered by reviews that neither excited nor engaged audiences in large numbers.
Industry Narratives and Powell’s Future Prospects
For several years, Glen Powell has been seen as a potential successor to action legends such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, with many in Hollywood touting his range, charisma, and appeal. Industry insiders often speculated about Powell’s readiness to step into blockbuster roles, as established stars transition into the next phases of their careers. The strong narrative around Powell’s rise amplified expectations, intensifying the impact when The Running Man failed to perform as anticipated.
“He had been told — repeatedly — that he was the next Cruise. Then one movie underperforms, and suddenly everyone’s quiet,”
a source noted.
Despite the emotional weight of the recent setback, those close to Powell maintain that this disappointment is not definitive for his career. They suggest that his talent and reputation will help him navigate this rough period, as he works to recover from the fallout and chart the next step in his journey.
