The Top Gun: Maverick co-stars reunited as Cruise shared life-saving stunt tips with Powell ahead of his high-octane new film.

Tom Cruise Steps In as Mentor

November 7, 2025: Glen Powell is opening up about the intense advice session he received from Tom Cruise before filming The Running Man, and it sounds like the Mission: Impossible star went all in. During a recent interview, Powell revealed that Cruise spent more than two hours walking him through the dos and don’ts of performing dangerous stunts, sharing insider secrets from his decades of experience pushing cinematic boundaries.

“He basically told me how not to die,” Powell joked. “Tom wanted me to understand the physics behind every stunt, how to manage risk, and how to respect the process. He’s a master at making impossible things look effortless — but there’s a method to his madness.”

Preparing for High-Intensity Action

Powell’s upcoming film, The Running Man — a reimagining of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi classic — is set to feature a mix of high-speed chases, fight sequences, and real-world stunt work. To prepare, the actor has been performing many of his own action scenes, something Cruise famously insists on doing in his own films.

According to Powell, Cruise was quick to emphasize the importance of teamwork and safety. “Tom told me, ‘Don’t let ego get in the way of safety. If something doesn’t feel right, you speak up. The best stunt is the one you walk away from.’ That stuck with me,” Powell shared.

A Friendship Built on Trust and Adrenaline

The pair first bonded on the set of Top Gun: Maverick, where Powell played the confident pilot Jake “Hangman” Seresin alongside Cruise’s legendary Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Since then, they’ve stayed close, with Cruise often offering Powell career advice and support as he continues his rise in Hollywood’s action genre.

“He’s been a mentor and a friend,” Powell said. “Tom’s passion for filmmaking is infectious — he genuinely wants others to succeed, and he’ll take the time to make sure you do it the right way.”

What Fans Can Expect from The Running Man

With Powell leading the cast and Edgar Wright directing, The Running Man promises a gritty, modern take on the classic story of survival and rebellion. Powell teased that the film’s action sequences are “unlike anything audiences have seen before,” crediting Cruise’s guidance for helping him navigate the film’s most challenging stunts.

As excitement builds for its release, Powell’s mix of humility and determination proves that even Hollywood’s rising stars need a little help — and when that help comes from Tom Cruise, you know the advice is worth taking.