When Glen Powell heard about the Top Gun sequel, he knew he had to be a part of it. After all, it was the original Top Gun that inspired him to become an actor in the first place, and now, he had the opportunity to be a part of a movie that he had loved since he was a child. Powell was so determined to be in Top Gun: Maverick that he started preparing months before auditioning.
He headed to Edwards Air Force Base to live with pilots, immersing himself in their lifestyle to better understand what it’s like to be a pilot. This level of preparation resulted in him turning down offers for other movies, as he had his sights set on Top Gun: Maverick and the role of Rooster, the son of Goose, Tom Cruise’s best friend from the original movie. However, Powell was not expecting what came next.
From Cast to Cult Favorite: The Rise of Glen Powell
Miles Teller was cast as Rooster, leaving Powell heartbroken. He recalls feeling like he had delivered his best performance during the audition, but it wasn’t enough. Powell felt like he was in the fetal position for the entire day. Despite missing out on the role he wanted, the producers were impressed with Powell’s audition and offered him another role in the movie, which would eventually become Hangman.
Glen Powell in Top Gun: Maverick
Powell was still set on playing Goose’s son and wasn’t sure if he wanted to take a role that was different from what he had wanted. That’s where Tom Cruise came in. Powell met with Cruise again, not expecting to be in the movie. He was thrilled about the opportunity to speak with his childhood hero but didn’t see the role as a fit. Cruise kept talking to Powell, revealing plans for the character and how he planned to bring him along.
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Powell wasn’t sold at first, but after speaking with Christopher McQuarrie, the director of several of Cruise’s Mission Impossible films who was doing rewrites on Maverick, about how Hangman was being rewritten, Powell was finally convinced. He took a leap of faith and joined the movie, and he’ll never forget when he called Cruise to tell him the news.
Reciting a famous line from the original Top Gun, Powell told Cruise, “Tom, man, I’m feeling the need.” Cruise was beyond euphoric and replied, “F*ck yeah!” according to Powell.
“It’s just a great moment when Tom gets excited about anything, and it’s hard not to be excited when Cruise is excited.”
Glen Powell and Tom Cruise
Powell is tight-lipped about his role in Maverick, but one thing is for sure, the first thing anyone asks when they hear he’s in the new Top Gun is whether there’s a beach volleyball scene. The guys are playing football this time, and Powell trained for three months to ensure he’d have a shirtless look as good as possible. The Set It Up actor recalls that in the days leading up to the scene, there was more male insecurity on set than anyone had ever seen and probably more coconut oil than on the set of Magic Mike.
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Changing the Game Forever
It’s been almost four years since Powell was cast, and he’s now 34 years old, rocking a trendy gray cashmere jacket with a Texas Longhorns hat on and making his mark in the entertainment industry as one of the most sought-after actors of his generation. With his chiseled good looks and magnetic charm, Powell has quickly become a fan favorite, taking on a diverse range of roles and showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Glen Powell
Whether playing a tough soldier in an action movie, a charming romantic lead, or a complex villain, Powell’s performances never fail to leave audiences breathless. With his undeniable talent and charisma, Powell has become one of the most buzzed-about names in Hollywood, and his star continues to rise with each new project.
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The Hollywood celeb has been praised by critics and audiences alike for his raw, emotional performances and ability to bring a scene to life with his electrifying energy and magnetic presence. Fans of Powell are constantly on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting his next project. With each new release, the actor raises the bar and proves he’s one of his generation’s most talented and versatile actors.
Source: Men’s Health