‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Breakout Glenn Powell Lands Game-Changing Lead—Release Date, Plot & Cast Revealed

Hollywood’s busiest leading man, Glen Powell, is everywhere this week—and not just on-screen. Fresh off earning CinemaCon’s “Star of the Year,” the 37-year-old Texan is trending after three headline-grabbing moments: Sydney Sweeney’s new comments about their “love and respect,” Tom Cruise’s two-hour stunt masterclass for Powell’s remake of The Running Man, and ex-girlfriend Gigi Paris debuting her own new romance. A ‘beautiful pairing’ but still just friends In a Variety interview amplified by PEOPLE, Sweeney insisted she and Powell never “leaned in” to 2023’s viral romance rumors during the press tour for Anyone But You, blaming tabloids for spinning normal co-star chemistry into clickbait. “Glen and I genuinely care for each other… I love being with him,” she said, while adding that both actors are “always open” to an Anyone But You sequel that meets their high bar for a fresh concept. Tom Cruise’s late-night warning Powell’s next project, a gritty, stunt-heavy reboot of The Running Man, pushed him to call Top Gun : Maverick mentor Tom Cruise for advice. According to The National Desk, Cruise spent two hours on the phone urging Powell to avoid filming sprint scenes at dawn, insist on camera angles that prove real height, and remember that “skin on the line” sells tickets—wisdom Powell now treats as a “handbook” for physically demanding roles. Personal life still under the spotlight While Powell downplays gossip, ex-model Gigi Paris resurfaced on red carpets this week with NFL alum Cooper Helfet, sparking fresh social-media chatter about Powell’s past relationships. Paris previously criticized the actor for not shutting down Sweeney rumors quickly enough, remarks Powell called “her narrative” in a recent GQ sit-down. What’s next for Glen Powell • The Running Man begins principal photography in November; insiders say Powell will perform “80 percent” of the stunts himself. • Twisters, his tornado-chasing sequel to the 1996 cult classic, wraps reshoots next month. • Talks for an Anyone But You follow-up could heat up once writers finalize a draft Sweeney and Powell both approve. With box-office muscle, viral charisma, and A-list mentors, Glen Powell’s momentum shows no signs of slowing—making every new headline another gust of wind beneath Hollywood’s fastest-rising star.