Hollywood star Glen Powell recently opened up about receiving a crash course in action-movie stunts from Tom Cruise ahead of his new film, The Running Man. Speaking on BBC’s The Graham Norton Show on Friday, November 7, Powell shared behind-the-scenes details about the intense preparation required for his latest action role.

At 37 years old, Powell revealed that what he expected to be a ten-minute phone call with Cruise turned into an intense two-and-a-half-hour stunt briefing, where the Top Gun: Maverick star “basically told me how not to die!”

Facing Extreme Stunts in The Running Man

Powell described one particularly grueling stunt: abseiling down eight stories of a building in freezing conditions while half-naked and secured only by a harness. He humorously noted, “Believe me, nothing looked good.” Adding to the challenge, Powell discovered there was a crew member assigned to prevent him from kicking a window, leading him to jokingly wonder what the person saw take after take.

Cruise, 63, renowned for performing his own stunts in blockbuster films, provided Powell with running lessons and stunt guidance, including the advice to film himself while running. “He said, ‘You should film yourself running because you don’t look as cool as you think you do.’ He was so right!” Powell admitted.

Tom Cruise’s Legendary Dedication to Action

Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts is well-documented. Director Christopher McQuarrie, who has helmed every Mission: Impossible film since 2015, told PEOPLE that Cruise operates almost like a “one-man film crew,” controlling cameras, acting, and piloting planes in his movies.

Powell expressed gratitude for Cruise’s mentorship and praised his co-star’s support. Cruise has even publicly supported Powell’s performance in The Running Man by sharing behind-the-scenes photos from a recent screening on Instagram. Captions read: “Another great night out with my friends at the movies! You guys crushed it, congratulations! I laughed, was on the edge of my seat, and ate way too much popcorn.”

Honoring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Legacy

In addition to learning from Cruise, Powell revealed he sought approval from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who famously played Ben Richards in the 1987 version of The Running Man. Powell explained, “I didn’t want to tread on his legacy without speaking to him. He was lovely and gave me his blessing. He doesn’t miss any of his action movies.”

Schwarzenegger humorously reflected on the physical demands of his past roles, comparing the brutal stunts in The Running Man to the lighter challenges in films like Kindergarten Cop and Twins.

The Running Man Release Date and Anticipation

Powell’s dedication and Cruise’s guidance promise a thrilling cinematic experience for fans of action films. The Running Man is set to hit theaters on November 14, 2025, bringing a fresh take on the iconic action story while honoring the original film’s legacy.