Glen Powell Rebooting The Running Man
- Glen Powell stars in the reboot of the 1987 action film The Running Man, released on May 3rd.
- Powell actively distances himself from comparisons to classic action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson.
- "I don't find myself to be remarkable," Powell stated in an interview with AFP."That era of action stars and movie stars?
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Glen Powell on ‘The Running Man’ and Rejecting the ‘movie Star’ label
What Happened?
Glen Powell stars in the reboot of the 1987 action film The Running Man, released on May 3rd. The film reimagines the premise with Powell playing Ben Richards, an ordinary man forced to compete in a deadly televised game show to earn money for his daughterS medical treatment. Unlike the larger-than-life action heroes of the past, Powell’s character is deliberately presented as an everyman.
A New Kind of Action Hero
Powell actively distances himself from comparisons to classic action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson. He believes the landscape of Hollywood has changed, and the archetype of the invincible action hero is less relevant today. His portrayal of Ben Richards emphasizes vulnerability and relatability, focusing on a father’s desperation rather than superhuman abilities.
“I don’t find myself to be remarkable,” Powell stated in an interview with AFP.”That era of action stars and movie stars? You can’t really compare apples to oranges.” This sentiment reflects a broader shift in audience preferences towards more grounded and human characters.
The Underdog Narrative
Powell identifies strongly with the underdog narrative, a theme prevalent in many of his favorite films. Ben Richards is not a soldier, a cop, or a trained fighter; he’s simply a man pushed to his limits by circumstance. This makes his struggle for survival more compelling and relatable to audiences.
“I’ve always identified myself as an underdog,” Powell explained. “Some of my favorite movies are ordinary people against unusual odds. And you don’t get more ordinary than ben.” The film showcases Richards enduring notable physical hardship, including being beaten, bruised, and even blown off a bridge.
Powell’s Return to Austin
Interestingly, Powell’s rising fame coincided with a deliberate decision to move away from Los angeles and return to his hometown of austin, Texas. This move reflects a desire for a more grounded lifestyle and a rejection of the traditional Hollywood machine. It also suggests a prioritization of personal values over the pursuit of celebrity status.
The Evolution of the action hero
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