Glen Powell: A Rising Star in Richard Linklater’s Universe
Glen Powell, the talented actor, and frequent collaborator with acclaimed director Richard Linklater, has come a long way since their first meeting on the set of “Fast Food Nation” back in 2006. Now, they’re teaming up again for the action-packed comedy “Hit Man.” Powell, who was just 18 when they first worked together, has since established himself as a remarkable actor, landing major roles in films like “Hidden Figures,” “The Expendables 3,” and the highly anticipated “Top Gun: Maverick.”
During a recent interview with FilmSweep, Linklater shared his perspective on Powell’s transformation over the years. “I think anyone will tell you the most rewarding, special thing about doing what we do and being able to do this over years is the long-term relationships, to just see people grow up and see people change, people you work with or know, and it’s been fun to see Glen,” Linklater remarked, emphasizing the joy of watching Powell evolve as an actor.
Linklater has had the privilege of witnessing Powell’s growth at different stages of his career. From their first collaboration on “Fast Food Nation,” where Powell was just a teenager, to their work on “Everybody Wants Some!!” in 2016, where Linklater noticed a significant change in the young actor. It was around this time that Powell began to ascend in the world of acting, notably with his role in “Scream Queens” as the memorable Chad Radwell.
Linklater credits Powell’s dedication to his craft and highlighted his evolution during the filming of “Everybody Wants Some!!!,” saying, “He’s significantly younger than me, but I worked with him when he was a teenager on Fast Food Nation. [It was] just a small part, but I cast him amongst a lot of teenagers, like, ‘That guy’s interesting,’ but he’s 15 or 16 or whatever. And then what felt like not many years later for me, but for him are a lot of years later, let’s say 16, he comes in on Everybody Wants Some!!, and I was like, ‘Oh wow, that guy. He grew up. He became Glen Powell.’ The Glen Powell we know today developed in there, and sure enough.”
Powell’s journey in Hollywood wasn’t without its challenges. He worked hard, faced the struggles of the LA entertainment scene, and took all the necessary steps to persist in his acting career. It was this dedication and transformation that impressed Linklater and made their collaborations even more enjoyable.
Now, with “Hit Man,” Linklater and Powell have come together once again for a hilarious action comedy. Powell not only stars in the film but also contributes as a writer, revealing another facet of his talent. Linklater expressed his delight at working with Powell on this project, particularly because it allowed the actor to showcase his comedic skills.
The film centers around Powell’s character, a cop who goes undercover as a highly sought-after hitman, and it takes an unexpected turn as he breaks protocol to rescue a woman from a toxic marriage. Linklater and Powell found inspiration for the film in a real-life story they both read about in a Texas Monthly article by journalist Skip Hollandsworth.
Linklater drew a parallel between Powell and another actor he’s known for a long time: Ethan Hawke. He praised Powell as an “ideal collaborator,” noting his intelligence and humor. Their creative partnership was marked by laughter, pushing each other to excel, and blending their sensibilities to create something special. Linklater’s collaboration with actors like Powell and Hawke underscores his passion for working closely with them to craft engaging stories.
“Hit Man,” featuring Glen Powell alongside Adria Arjona, Retta, Austin Amelio, and Molly Bernard, is yet to receive a theatrical release date. While we eagerly await its arrival, Linklater and Powell’s camaraderie promises a film filled with humor, heart, and the magic that comes from a great creative partnership. Stay tuned for more updates from the TIFF 2023 festival and the world of cinema!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Collaboration
Who is Glen Powell, and how did he start his career?
Glen Powell is a talented actor who began his career at a young age. He first gained recognition in the film industry when he collaborated with director Richard Linklater on “Fast Food Nation” in 2006.
What are some notable films that Glen Powell has appeared in?
Glen Powell has landed major roles in several notable films, including “Hidden Figures,” “The Expendables 3,” and the highly anticipated “Top Gun: Maverick.”
How has Glen Powell evolved as an actor over the years?
Richard Linklater, who has worked with Powell on multiple projects, has had the privilege of witnessing Powell’s growth as an actor. From their initial collaboration to their latest film “Hit Man,” Linklater has seen Powell transform from a young actor finding his stride to a superstar.
Tell me more about the film “Hit Man” and Glen Powell’s involvement in it.
“Hit Man” is an action comedy that features Glen Powell as the lead actor. He not only stars in the film but also contributes as a writer. The movie follows the story of a cop who goes undercover as a hitman and takes an unexpected turn to rescue a woman from a toxic marriage.
How did Glen Powell and Richard Linklater come up with the idea for “Hit Man”?
Linklater and Powell found inspiration for “Hit Man” in a real-life story they both read about in a Texas Monthly article by journalist Skip Hollandsworth. This intriguing story served as the foundation for their creative collaboration.
What makes Glen Powell an “ideal collaborator” according to Richard Linklater?
Richard Linklater praised Glen Powell as an “ideal collaborator” due to his intelligence and humor. Their creative partnership is marked by laughter, mutual support, and the blending of their sensibilities to create engaging and entertaining films.
Are there any release details for the film “Hit Man”?
As of now, there is no official theatrical release date for “Hit Man.” Fans of Glen Powell and Richard Linklater will need to stay tuned for further updates on this exciting project.
More about Collaboration
- Glen Powell on IMDb
- Richard Linklater on IMDb
- Fast Food Nation (2006) on IMDb
- Hidden Figures (2016) on IMDb
- The Expendables 3 (2014) on IMDb
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) on IMDb
- Hit Man (Film Information)
- Texas Monthly – Skip Hollandsworth
- TIFF 2023 Festival Coverage
