Glen Powell is riding high in his acting career, particularly after his standout role in the hit film “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022. Since then, he seems to have been everywhere in Hollywood, surrounded by a whirlwind of projects.
Though he has achieved fame, Powell’s roots run deep in Austin, Texas. A third-generation Longhorn, he has a passionate love for football and his alma mater. So, it was no surprise he was present at the Cotton Bowl for the latest edition of the iconic Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma.
In promotion of his new film, “The Running Man,” scheduled for release in November, Powell sat down with The Dallas Morning News at the Cotton Bowl. Noting his Texas heritage, he greeted the interviewer with a warm smile, a handshake, and an unmistakable sense of pride for both his Longhorns and his acting career.
During their conversation, he reflected on his first memories of attending a Longhorn football game. “I was part of the University of Texas String Project when I was a kid. I played violin. I was probably seven years old. If I played violin, and went to every practice, I got to go to a UT game. So I remember my parents letting me go to, I think it was a UT-Rice game. I was really, really young. But the thing is, I’ve always been attracted to really passionate people. No one is more passionate than the Longhorn fan base.”
The interview delved into Powell’s experience as a celebrity Longhorn fan, especially the responsibilities that come with it. “That’s a new frontier for me. I gotta say, it’s one that comes with a lot of fun perks, but also a lot of responsibility. I remember when I did College Game Day for the first time, I called Matthew McConaughey and asked, ‘What does this look like? What do I need to know?’ He said, ‘You represent the university now. How you carry yourself, how you present yourself, you represent the university.’ I really appreciated that.
“The University of Texas has given so much to me and so much joy to my family and me. I want to reward the place that holds such a special spot in my heart. It’s been really fun. For a guy that’s grown up on Texas football and dreamed of being, you know, the guy outside the stadium hoping to figure out a way to get in, to be on the sidelines is a dream come true.”
Transitioning to discussing his upcoming movie, Powell shed light on the action-packed nature of “The Running Man.” “Yes, ‘Running Man’ is very stunt-heavy. When I read the script, I was like, ‘OK, I get my ass kicked. This entire movie is going to be really tough.’ Talking to friends who starred in big action movies, they advised me to prepare for getting hit and falling off things. They said, ‘Just prepare for war as best as you can. Take care of yourself.’ I feel like I’m a pretty tough individual, but by the end of this film, I was beaten up and exhausted.”
Commenting on the trailer, he said, “But the fun part is, for me, I’m a fan of action movies. I love Edgar Wright as a director. This movie delivers on every level, being one of those exhilarating experiences. It’s an action film that carries a lot of heart, shot by a prestigious filmmaker. Based on a Stephen King book, it has all the ingredients to be something great. I’ve seen it five or six times and was in the editing room for months. We just screened it for theater owners, and they loved it.”
Powell acknowledged that while his career has soared, he still finds himself largely recognized for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick.” He remarked, “It reminded me of the way theater owners felt about ‘Maverick.’ When they walked out, it was as if they knew they had a winner. That felt pretty good.”
As the conversation turned to college football, Powell passionately recounted his favorite memories of the Red River Rivalry. “Building my year around Texas-OU is something I cherish. This is my favorite day of the year. Even if I can’t be there in person, I bring friends together to celebrate this great rivalry. I think it’s the greatest rivalry in sports.”
Reflecting on past experiences, he added, “I was shooting ‘Hitman’ in New Orleans a couple of years ago and made it a point to gather the whole crew to watch when we dominated 49-zip. My freshman year in the Cotton Bowl was magical. This game embodies what college football is about—great matchups and rivalries. I appreciate how we meet equally between these two schools in Dallas, Texas. It’s one of those great moments in sports every year that fans can look forward to. No matter where teams rank, it’s always a great game. I look forward to strapping in for today. It’s going to be a ride.”
In summary, Glen Powell’s heart remains deeply tied to the University of Texas and its storied football tradition. As he navigates his burgeoning Hollywood career, the Longhorns occupy a place of pride and passion in his life, making him an integral part of both the football and film landscapes.
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