Ever find yourself watching a movie, pointing at the screen, and saying, “Wait, I know that guy from somewhere!”? That was Glen Powell for a long time. But lately, you’re more likely to see his name on the poster. He’s the guy who effortlessly steals scenes, whether he’s cracking jokes in a fighter jet or smoldering in a romantic comedy. So, how did he go from “that familiar face” to one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men?
This guide will walk you through the incredible journey of Glen Powell’s movies, breaking down the key roles that built his career, the blockbusters that made him famous, and what his smart career moves tell us about his future. Let’s dive in.
The Building Blocks: Glen Powell’s Early Career and Breakouts
Every superstar has to start somewhere. For Glen Powell, his early career was a masterclass in patience and making the most of every opportunity, no matter how small. He wasn’t an overnight sensation; he was building a foundation, one role at a time.
Before he was a household name, he was popping up in some of the biggest franchises and shows, often in roles that were brief but memorable.
- Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (2011): One of his first bigger studio gigs was in the beloved family franchise, playing a character named “The New Guy.” It was a start!
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012): Talk about a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role! Powell was one of Bruce Wayne’s stock traders. It wasn’t a big part, but being on set for a Christopher Nolan film is a film school in itself.
- Scream Queens (2015-2016): This Ryan Murphy horror-comedy series was a major turning point. As Chad Radwell, the ridiculously vain and hilarious frat boy, Powell got to show off his impeccable comedic timing. He was so over-the-top and quotable that he became a fan favorite, proving he could handle satire and charm audiences simultaneously.
These roles were crucial. They taught him how to navigate big sets, work with legendary directors, and, most importantly, how to make an impact with limited screen time. He was learning the ropes and waiting for his moment to take the lead.
The Launchpad: Top Gun: Maverick and The Big Break
If there’s one role that made the entire world sit up and say, “Who is that?!” it was Lieutenant Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).
This wasn’t just another movie; it was a global cultural phenomenon. And in a film filled with talented new pilots, Glen Powell’s Hangman was the standout. He was the arrogant, impossibly cool rival to Miles Teller’s Rooster. Powell brought a smug confidence to the role that was somehow still incredibly likable. You couldn’t take your eyes off him.
Why this role was so important:
- Massive Global Audience: The film made over $1.4 billion worldwide. Suddenly, Glen Powell wasn’t just a TV actor or a supporting player; he was a guy in one of the biggest movies of the decade.
- Demonstrated Action Chops: He proved he could handle a massive-scale action blockbuster, perform his own stunts, and hold his own opposite a legend like Tom Cruise.
- Charisma on Full Display: The role was tailor-made for his specific brand of confident, witty charm. It was the perfect vehicle to introduce him to a mainstream audience.
“Top Gun: Maverick” was the rocket fuel his career needed. It proved he had the chops for A-list blockbusters and made him a bankable leading man.
Showing Range: Dramatic Turns and Biographical Roles
A common trap for actors who find success in a specific genre is to get typecast. But Glen Powell consciously avoided this. Right after playing the ultra-cool Hangman, he took a hard left turn into serious drama to show everyone the depth of his talent.
His starring role in Devotion (2022) was that left turn. This biographical war drama told the true story of Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in the U.S. Navy, and his wingman, Tom Hudner (played by Powell).
Why this role was a strategic masterstroke:
- Proven Seriousness: It showed directors, critics, and audiences that he wasn’t just a pretty face for comedies and action movies. He could carry a weighty, dramatic, awards-worthy film.
- Historical Weight: Taking on a role based on a real-life American hero adds a layer of credibility and respect to an actor’s filmography.
- Dynamic Co-Starring: He shared the screen with Jonathan Majors in a powerful performance, proving he could thrive in a nuanced, character-driven story.
This move was brilliant. It signaled to Hollywood that he was a serious actor with range, not just a flash-in-the-pan action star.
The Leading Man: Rom-Coms and Crowd-Pleasing Hits
With his blockbuster and dramatic credentials secured, Powell circled back to a genre that desperately needed a new king: the romantic comedy. And oh, did he deliver.
Anyone But You (2023) became the unlikeliest of smash hits. A modern riff on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, it paired Powell with Sydney Sweeney in a will-they-won’t-they story set at a gorgeous Australian wedding.
The film was a sleeper hit, grossing over $200 million against a small budget and single-handedly reviving the theatrical rom-com. Its success cemented a new status for Powell:
- Box Office Draw: The film’s success was undeniably tied to the electric chemistry between its two leads. It proved audiences would show up to see him in a lead role.
- Master of Modern Charm: Powell’s performance was funny, vulnerable, and deeply charismatic. He brought a classic movie-star quality that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
- Producer Credit: Notably, Powell wasn’t just the star; he was also a producer. This shows his ambition to shape projects from the ground up and his understanding of the business side of Hollywood.
The Creative Force: Writing, Producing, and “Hit Man”
This brings us to his most recent and perhaps most exciting phase: Glen Powell, the creative force. He’s not just waiting for the phone to ring; he’s actively developing projects that excite him.
This ambition culminated in Hit Man (2024), a critically acclaimed action-comedy directed by Richard Linklater. Powell didn’t just star in it; he co-wrote and produced it. The film, based on a wild true story, allows him to play a professor who goes undercover as a fake hitman—a role that requires him to adopt multiple disguises and personalities.
What this means for his career:
- Total Creative Control: By writing and producing, Powell ensures the projects he cares about get made his way.
- Auteur Collaboration: Working again with Linklater (they previously worked together on Everybody Wants Some!!) positions him as an actor who values director-driven projects.
- Genre-Bending: Hit Man is a mix of comedy, romance, action, and thriller—it defies easy categorization, showing his desire to challenge both himself and audience expectations.
| Movie Title (Year) | Role | Significance | Box Office (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Gun: Maverick (2022) | Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin | Global breakout role; established him as an action star. | $1.495 Billion |
| Anyone But You (2023) | Ben | Star-making rom-com lead; proved box office draw power. | $219 Million |
| Devotion (2022) | Tom Hudner | Serious dramatic turn; showed critical range and depth. | $22 Million |
| Hit Man (2024) | Gary Johnson / Ron | Critical darling; showcased writing and producing skills. | N/A (Netflix) |
| Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) | Finnegan | Collaborated with Linklater; cult classic status. | $4.5 Million |
What’s Next? The Future of Glen Powell’s Movies
So, where does an actor go after such a meteoric rise? If the current lineup is any indication, straight to the top.
Powell is set to star in a sequel to Twisters (2024), the legacy sequel to the 1996 disaster classic. This puts him back in the big-budget, special-effects-driven world, guaranteeing another huge audience.
He’s also attached to a modern remake of The Running Man, with Edgar Wright directing. This pairs him with a visionary director for a beloved property, a very smart move.
Beyond that, you can expect him to continue developing his own projects through his production company. He’s clearly an actor with a plan, and that plan involves being both in front of and behind the camera.
Your Glen Powell Watchlist: 5 Must-See Films
Ready to explore his filmography? Start with these five essential Glen Powell movies:
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022): For the star-making, blockbuster performance.
- Anyone But You (2023): For the charming, crowd-pleasing lead turn.
- Hit Man (2024): For the creative, multifaceted performer and writer.
- Everybody Wants Some!! (2016): For the early, comedic collaborator with Linklater.
- Set It Up (2018): For a fantastic early supporting role in a beloved Netflix rom-com that hinted at his future in the genre.
Glen Powell’s journey is a testament to talent, strategy, and patience. He took supporting roles and turned them into stepping stones, chose projects that showed off his range, and has now taken control of his own narrative. He’s not just a movie star; he’s a modern Hollywood success story.
What’s your favorite Glen Powell role? Are you more of a Hangman fan or did Ben from Anyone But You win you over? Let us know!
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FAQs
What is Glen Powell’s most famous movie?
His most famous and highest-grossing movie is undoubtedly Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he played the scene-stealing pilot Hangman.
What was Glen Powell’s breakout role?
While he had many smaller parts, his role as Chad Radwell in the TV series Scream Queens (2015-2016) was his first major breakout, showcasing his comedic talent. His global breakout film role was in Top Gun: Maverick.
Is Glen Powell in the new Top Gun?
Yes! He played Lieutenant Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).
What is Glen Powell’s new movie in 2024?
In 2024, he starred in the critically acclaimed Hit Man (which he also co-wrote) for Netflix and will star in the disaster film Twisters, set for release in July 2024.
How did Glen Powell get discovered?
He wasn’t “discovered” overnight. He built his career gradually through small roles in big films (like The Dark Knight Rises) and TV shows, slowly gaining recognition until his role in Scream Queens gave him a larger platform, which he parlayed into mega-stardom with Top Gun: Maverick.
Is Glen Powell a producer?
Yes, he has moved into producing. He was a producer on the massive hit Anyone But You (2023) and also co-wrote and produced Hit Man (2024).
What is Glen Powell’s net worth?
While exact figures are private, most estimates place Glen Powell’s net worth in the range of $10-$15 million, a number that is rapidly growing with his recent leading roles and producer credits.
