In a refreshingly honest conversation that cuts through the usual Hollywood gloss, Glen Powell sits down with Guardian columnist Marina Hyde to reflect on his meteoric rise from Top Gun: Maverick's charismatic pilot to leading one of this year's biggest blockbuster sequels.
The Whirlwind of Sudden Fame
Powell describes the surreal experience of becoming an overnight sensation after years of grinding work. "You spend a decade building this career, and then suddenly everyone thinks you appeared from nowhere," he reveals. The Texas-born actor discusses the strange dichotomy of being both recognised everywhere and feeling like the same person he's always been.
Weathering the Storm in Twisters
The conversation turns to his latest role in the high-octane disaster sequel Twisters, where Powell plays a storm-chasing social media personality. "It's about finding the human story amidst the CGI tornadoes," he explains, highlighting how the film balances spectacular effects with genuine emotional stakes.
Beyond the Romantic Lead
Despite the massive success of the sleeper hit Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney, Powell is determined not to be typecast. "Rom-coms are fantastic, but I want to keep surprising people," he states, discussing his conscious effort to diversify his roles and production company projects.
The Powell Philosophy: Career Navigation
What emerges most strongly is Powell's strategic approach to his career. Rather than chasing fame, he's focused on building longevity. "This industry can chew you up and spit you out if you're not careful. I'm playing the long game," he tells Hyde, demonstrating a maturity that belies his heartthrob image.
The interview paints a portrait of an actor deliberately crafting his path through the Hollywood machine, equally comfortable discussing craft as he is acknowledging the business realities of modern filmmaking.
