Following his turn in the billion-dollar grossing, “Top Gun: Maverick,” the hit comedy, “Anyone But You,” the acclaimed “Hit-Man” rom-com/thriller, and this summer’s “Twisters,” actor Glen Powell is the man of the moment and Hollywood’s It boy. Appearing on the cover of Men’s Health last year, all chiseled, lean, and swole, the actor appeared to be the perfect example of the handsome, built, and charming leading man.
Powell stopped by The Discourse podcast to discuss “The Best Man’s Ghostwriter,” an upcoming Audible and Broadway Video Enterprises original comedy narrative podcast with a starry cast including Nicolas Braun, D’Arcy Carden, Lance Bass, and Zach Braff. ‘Ghostwriter’ centers on a speechwriter (voiced by Powell) hired to help write best man speeches and one of his clients, Dan (Braun), in a podcast exploring the “often idiotic world of male friendship.”
We spoke to Powell about “The Best Man’s Ghostwriter” and also discussed his recent acting career, recent rumors, and other topics.
Regarding that Men’s Health cover and some of his charismatic leading roles, Powell has been fan-casted many times for Marvel and DC roles, and it has been rumored online that he’s met with studios, so much so that many geek audiences assume he’s getting a role in one of these universes soon. But according to Powell, he’s never heard a peep from either studio.
“You know I’ve never gotten a call from DC or Marvel,” he said in our interview. Discourse host Mike DeAngelo was shocked, and Powell said—despite past comments that he wasn’t really interested in superhero roles— that he loves both comic book movie studios.
“But I’m a fan of everything they do,” he explained. “I just saw ‘Deadpool [& Wolverine’]. I freaking had a blast. I think what Shawn [Levy] and Ryan [Reynolds] did with that is like extraordinary and just such a fun flavor for audiences. And I cheer for them. And I love what [they do].”
“I think James Gunn, Peter Safran, and what they’re doing at DC— I think it’s going to be really, really good for that business. So, it’s like, yeah, I cheer them all on. I’m a big fan of the movies.”
While that’s not a direct “call me, I want to work with both of you statement,” clearly he’s open to roles in either universe.
According to Powell, one thing that isn’t “real” is the recent statement from Imagine Entertainment producer Brian Grazer suggesting Powell could star in a “Backdraft” remake.
Asked about his involvement, Powell said it wasn’t true. “Yeah, that’s not really a thing. So, I’m not really sure,” he said. Following up, DeAngelo asked, so that was just a rumor? Yep. “Yeah, but I mean, obviously, I’m a fan of ‘Backdraft.’ I think ‘Backdraft’ is an incredible film. I’m a huge Kurt Russell fan, as well. I think it’s a world that’s ripe for exploration, but not in terms of terms of me around it. That’s nothing I can really speak to it,”
What is real is Powell’s participation in J.J Abrams’ mysterious next movie, though good luck getting any details on what it’s about. “Yeah, that’s real,” he said. “I will tell you absolutely zero because I’m under lock and key, and I’ve learned my lesson on these things, but I will say it’s going to be fantastic whenever it does come around.”
More from the full interview soon. – Additional reporting by Mike DeAngelo.