Glen Powell wanted his audience to feel every tension, trap and heartbeat in his new film The running man.
The actor said he performed his own stunts to ensure people got their money’s worth when they bought a theater ticket.
Speak with The Saturday Guardianthe 37-year-old star explained that he didn’t want fans to leave the theater knowing the deadly scenes were just computer effects.
“It really sells it because when the public knows you’re in danger, there’s an inherent investment required,” he said.
“I believe you have to give the audience the value of a ticket. If people actively go to the theater, arrange a babysitter, maybe go to dinner, you have to justify that ticket price.”
Powell said his Top Gun: Maverick co-star Tom Cruise inspired him to always “have skin on the line.”
In his latest film, he played Ben Richards, a man forced to survive a deadly game show that hunts contestants for sport.
However, the actor performed several dangerous sequences, including ‘jumping off exploding bridges’ and tumbling off rooftops.
Powell revealed that Cruise gave him advice before filming began. “He was literally my first call,” Glen said.
“I thought I would talk to him for ten minutes. He stayed on the phone for two hours.”
Cruise also warned him about late night shoots and shared filming tricks.
Powell said his friend’s guidance helped him capture the raw, authentic energy he wanted the audience to feel while watching his daring stunts on screen.
