Tom Cruise mentored Glen Powell ahead of The Running Man role

The action thriller The Running Man, based on Stephen King’s novel, is coming soon to cinemas, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Following the 1987 cult adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the new version features Glen Powell in the main role.

Set to premiere on November 13, the film combines the dark tone of King’s novel with the stylized aesthetic of the original movie.

In the book, hero Ben Richards is described as athletic but underweight due to poverty. The new film, however, portrays him more like Schwarzenegger’s version.

Powell told GQ magazine that he “trained like a weapon” to bring authenticity to the role, gaining muscle and doing functional workouts.

Powell said Tom Cruise guided him through the process. The two became close during the filming of Top Gun: Maverick.

Though Powell initially turned down the role of Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin, Cruise encouraged him to take it — marking the start of their friendship and mentorship.

Cruise also gave him advice on fame:

“It’s going to get loud. Your job is to turn down the noise. Remember, you control the switch.”

Powell says that advice helped him stay grounded and trust his instincts.