At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, Glen Powell addressed the growing attention around his being called the “Next Tom Cruise.” While the 37-year-old actor has become widely recognized for his diverse roles, Powell dismissed the idea of trying to follow in Cruise’s footsteps as an unproductive endeavor, emphasizing his unique path in Hollywood.
Glen Powell on the ‘Next Tom Cruise’ Comparison
<pDuring his appearance on the Golden Globes red carpet, Powell was asked about the “Next Tom Cruise” tag often applied to him. He stated,
I mean, there is only one Tom Cruise,
and added,
Anyone who tries to recreate those footsteps… It’s a losing enterprise.
He further shared his gratitude for the personal connection he has built with Cruise, saying,
But I will say this: to have Tom as a friend, as a mentor, as a guy who’s really in every single phase of this business, which can be pretty disorienting and loud… For the busiest guy in Hollywood, he’s the most present guy who always shows up. I’m very, very grateful to call him a friend.
Performing His Own Stunts and Career Highlights
Powell’s rising fame is boosted by his recent action film, The Running Man, in which he reportedly performed many of his own stunts, including high-risk feats like jumping off a bridge and rappelling down a building. This film adds to his growing action portfolio, which includes leading roles in projects such as Hit Man and Twisters.
Beginning his acting journey as a child in 2003 with minor roles in movies like Spy Kids 3: Game Over, Powell gradually built his career with parts in The Dark Knight Rises, The Expendables 3, and the TV series Scream Queens. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he portrayed Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin in Top Gun: Maverick, starring alongside Tom Cruise himself.
Leading Roles and Award Recognition
Following Top Gun: Maverick, Glen Powell has taken on leading roles in various projects, including the romantic comedy Anyone But You and the Hulu series Chad Powers. His performance in Chad Powers earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Powell’s calm yet steady approach to his career highlights his focus on individual growth rather than comparisons. His connection to Tom Cruise as a mentor provides both inspiration and grounding as he navigates Hollywood’s complex environment.
Glen Powell on being labeled as "the next Tom Cruise" #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/KOzgNaNekY
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 12, 2026
