Actor Reveals New Details About Reviving the ’80s Classic — and the Hollywood Legend Guiding Him

Powell Steps Into an Iconic Role

November 15, 2025: Glen Powell is opening up about what it’s like to take on the lead role in the highly anticipated reboot of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The Running Man. HOLR breaks down the story here as Powell explains how he’s preparing to reintroduce the dystopian action classic to a modern audience.

A Fresh Yet Faithful Reimagining

According to Powell, the new version will lean closer to Stephen King’s original novel while still paying tribute to the explosive sci-fi adventure fans remember from the 1987 film. He emphasized that the creative team wants to blend the gritty tone of the source material with the spectacle expected from a major action release today.

Powell admitted the weight of stepping into a role once played by one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars, noting that honoring the legacy while bringing something new is both “challenging and thrilling.”

Tom Cruise: The Ultimate Action Advisor

One of Powell’s biggest resources during production? None other than Tom Cruise. After their work together on Top Gun: Maverick, the two have developed a close friendship — and Powell confessed he keeps Cruise “on speed dial” whenever he needs advice.

He shared that Cruise frequently gives him detailed guidance on stunt work, technical choreography, and navigating the physical demands of action filmmaking. Powell joked that Cruise’s advice sessions often turn into full action-movie seminars: “He basically tells me how not to die.”

Building Buzz for a High-Intensity Reboot

With Powell leading the charge, excitement surrounding the reboot continues to grow. The film is expected to deliver a high-adrenaline blend of updated storytelling, advanced stunt work, and the kind of dystopian intensity that made the original a cult favorite.