Tom Cruise Warning for Glen Powell: What Did the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Star Tell ‘The Running Man’ Actor Not to Do?

Hollywood star Glen Powell has revealed the valuable advice he received from Tom Cruise before filming his latest action-packed movie, The Running Man. Cruise, known for performing his own high-risk stunts, reportedly gave Powell a detailed warning about the dangers of filming late-night sequences and specific rules to stay safe while keeping the action real for audiences.

Powell, 37, spoke about the guidance during an interview with The Guardian magazine, explaining how Cruise’s mentorship influenced his approach to authenticity and danger in action filmmaking.

Tom Cruise’s Advice for Glen Powell Before ‘The Running Man’

Before stepping into the lead role of Ben Richards in The Running Man—a dystopian thriller about a deadly game show where contestants fight for survival—Powell called his Top Gun: Maverick co-star Tom Cruise for pointers. What he received was more than just a quick chat; Cruise spent over two hours on the phone offering specific safety and performance advice.

According to Powell, Cruise asked about the types of stunts involved, including “jumping off exploding bridges” and “falling off rooftops.” Cruise’s most memorable warning came when Powell mentioned running scenes scheduled for late-night shoots. Cruise cautioned, “Don’t do any sprinting shots at five in the morning. Your body’s going to be out of whack, and you’ll get hurt.”

Cruise also explained how nighttime “wetdowns”—when streets are sprayed with water for visual effect—can increase risk. He advised Powell to avoid turning corners during those scenes, saying, “If you’re taking a corner, no. If you’re running straight, fine.”

The veteran actor’s guidance didn’t stop there. He reminded Powell to make sure the camera always captured the full height and depth of his stunts. “If you’re hanging 11 stories up, make sure people see how high you are. Make sure the shot reflects depth and dimension. You are selling the fact that you are doing these things,” Cruise told him.

How Cruise’s Mentorship Shapes Powell’s Career

Glen Powell credited Tom Cruise for shaping his philosophy on delivering genuine, high-stakes performances. Powell said he learned from Cruise that “audiences deserve to see real effort on screen” — a belief that’s guided Cruise’s career from Top Gun to Mission: Impossible.

“If people are spending their money, hiring a babysitter, and showing up for you, you’ve got to show up for them,” Powell said, echoing Cruise’s famous dedication to practical stunts.

In The Running Man, Powell brings that mindset to life, performing his own dangerous sequences without relying heavily on CGI. The result, he said, is an “authentic” performance where the fear and adrenaline are real — and visible on screen.

Powell and Cruise: From Co-Stars to Close Friends

The bond between Powell and Cruise began during Top Gun: Maverick and has since evolved into a genuine friendship. Powell described Cruise as “generous with his time and knowledge,” often giving young actors personal mentorship on both craft and safety.

Powell admitted that when he landed The Running Man role, Cruise was “literally my first call.” Their two-hour conversation reinforced Powell’s respect for Cruise’s work ethic and his belief that real stunts make better cinema.

“Tom has picked up every trick in the book. He’s the ultimate movie star because he’s all-in — physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Powell added.

With The Running Man set for release later this year, Powell hopes to deliver the same kind of grounded, high-intensity performance that made Cruise a legend — while also staying safe thanks to his mentor’s words of caution.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What advice did Tom Cruise give Glen Powell for ‘The Running Man’?

He warned Powell not to sprint during early-morning night shoots and to ensure camera angles capture real stunt height and depth.

Q2: How long did Tom Cruise talk with Glen Powell about stunts?

They spoke for more than two hours, with Cruise giving detailed tips from his decades of stunt experience.

Q3: Who does Glen Powell play in ‘The Running Man’?

He stars as Ben Richards, a contestant in a deadly game show who must survive for 30 days to win $1 billion.

Q4: What inspired Powell to do his own stunts?

He credits Tom Cruise’s philosophy that audiences deserve authentic, high-stakes performances without overreliance on CGI.

Q5: When is ‘The Running Man’ releasing?

The film is expected to release later in 2025, with Powell performing most of his stunts himself.