Tue Sep 16 00:30:00 UTC 2025: **Glen Powell Credits Chris Pratt for Opening Doors to “Silly and Buoyant” Leading Men**
Hollywood heartthrob Glen Powell is thanking Chris Pratt for paving the way for his own success. In a new GQ cover story, Powell reveals that Pratt’s breakout role in 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” fundamentally shifted Hollywood’s preference for leading men, opening doors for actors who weren’t necessarily “brooding or dark.”
Powell, who had struggled to land leading roles, says he felt out of place amidst the popularity of actors like Christian Bale and Robert Pattinson, who embodied a more serious on-screen persona. But Pratt’s portrayal of Star-Lord, with its blend of humor and action, resonated with audiences and changed the industry’s perception of what a leading man could be.
“There’s no doubt it really helped — not being brooding or dark,” Powell told GQ. “When Pratt kind of appeared on the scene where he was doing things that were a little more silly and buoyant, that’s where I feel most at home.”
Powell’s career has since taken off, with starring roles in box office hits like “Anyone but You” and the upcoming “Twisters.” He’s now headlining his first action vehicle, “The Running Man,” set to release in November.
For “The Running Man,” Powell sought guidance from his “Top Gun: Maverick” co-star Tom Cruise, who advised him to approach the role with the physicality of an athlete. Powell dedicated himself to intensive training, building muscle and honing his skills to authentically embody his character.
Cruise, a mentor to Powell, even poked fun at the younger actor’s health concoctions. Powell recounted a story about bringing a mushroom-infused coffee to the “Top Gun” set, only to be met with Cruise’s humorous disapproval.
Fans can read the full cover story with Glen Powell on the GQ website.
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