Key Highlights
- Tom Cruise gave Glen Powell an hours-long call on how to survive action work before filming dangerous stunts for “The Running Man.”
- The conversation lasted two and a half hours and covered topics such as abseiling down eight stories of a building in freezing conditions.
- Cruise emphasized the physical reality of stuntwork, discipline, and the importance of making stunts look realistic to viewers.
- Glen Powell highlighted the mentorship he received from Tom Cruise during their co-starring roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “The Running Man.”
Tom Cruise’s Stunt Safety Mentorship: A Lifesaving Call Before Filming ‘Running Man’
In a revealing interview, actor Glen Powell shared the lengths Tom Cruise went to ensure his safety during filming of the upcoming dystopian thriller “The Running Man.” During an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” Powell recounted that before he filmed risky stunts for the movie, Cruise made it a point to offer him extensive advice.
According to Powell, the conversation between the two actors lasted two and a half hours. This extended call served as more than just a friendly chat; it was a comprehensive safety briefing aimed at preparing Powell for the challenges ahead in the film. “Tom rang me to give me the low down,” Powell explained. “What I thought would be a 10-minute call, lasted two and a half hours—he basically told me how not to die!”
During this lengthy conversation, Cruise provided Powell with valuable insights into surviving action work. One of the stunts Powell had to perform involved abseiling down eight stories of a building in freezing conditions while wearing only a harness. “I had to abseil down eight stories of a building in freezing conditions half naked and wearing a harness which cinched me—believe me nothing looked good,” Powell said, highlighting the physical challenges he faced.
Another piece of advice Cruise offered was about running on camera. “He also gave me running lessons. He said, ‘You should film yourself running because you don’t look as cool as you think you do.’ He was so right,” Powell recalled, emphasizing the importance of being realistic in action sequences.
Cruise’s Mentorship and the Physical Reality of Stuntwork
The interaction between Cruise and Powell underscores the rigorous training and discipline required for stunt work. Cruise has long been known for performing all his own stunts, a practice he encouraged through mentorship. “He was very clear about what that journey looks like,” Powell told Entertainment Weekly. “One is clearly stating that stunts are just as painful as the real thing. 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.”
Cruise’s experience and expertise in the field were evident in his preparation for “The Running Man.” Powell highlighted that Cruise had faced numerous injuries throughout his career but remained committed to performing his own stunts. “He was also talking about obviously the investment that it takes for an actor to do your own stunts—it’s a great privilege and it’s super important to sell it to an audience,” Powell said. This dedication not only ensures authenticity on screen but also sets a high standard for other actors involved in action roles.
Implications and Future of Stunt Work
The mentorship relationship between Cruise and Powell extends beyond their co-starring roles; it reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry where experienced professionals share knowledge and expertise with newer talent. As technology advances, so too do the methods of ensuring safety during stunts. However, the core principles—discipline, physical readiness, and realism—remain crucial.
“Tom is obviously not only one of the greatest actors but also one of the greatest stunt performers,” Powell concluded. “And really to have him as a friend and a mentor to make sure that I survived this movie was extraordinary.” This sentiment resonates with industry professionals who understand the risks involved in action filmmaking and appreciate the care taken by Cruise to protect his cast.
With the release of “The Running Man” scheduled for November 14, 2025, audiences will have the opportunity to see how well Powell has absorbed Cruise’s advice. For now, the extended stunt safety call serves as a testament to the lengths actors go to ensure their roles are performed safely and convincingly.
