Glen Powell is arguably the most in-demand actor in the industry right now. The actor has been working in the industry for many years but his career catapulted to new heights with his breakout role in Top Gun: Maverick. The actor further proved he could lead a successful rom-com with Anyone But You last year, reinvigorating the audience’s interest in seeing romances in theatres.
Powell has Hit Man and Twisters up for release this year along with many other promising films down the line. The actor has not yet starred in a big studio superhero project, revealing his disinterest in being in one. However, he has an affinity for Batman and would love to commit to a wild take on the character, in contrast to Matt Reeves’ The Batman.
Glen Powell Has a Wild Take on Batman Reminiscent of Michael Keaton-Tim Burton’s Films
Glen Powell is at the peak of his career with the dual success of Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You. The actor is the hottest name in the industry and has an interesting film lineup. Powell is conscious about what he wants to be associated with and is consciously picky with his projects. The actor recently expressed his disinterest in starring in superhero films (via THR) but with a specific exception.
In an interview with GQ, Powell stated that despite not wanting to be in a superhero film, he is a big Batman fan. The actor further stated that he would have a wild take on the character that is drastically different from Matt Reeves‘ The Batman and closer to the tone of Michael Keaton‘s Batman films. He said,
I was always a Batman guy. I would have a wild take on Batman. It definitely would not be like a Matt Reeves tone – it’d probably be closer to Keaton. Oh, sick! See? This is the era.
James Gunn has not officially announced his casting for his Batman film in the DCU, and it is unclear what the tone will be. While it looks unlikely that Powell will be the DCU’s new Batman, his unique take on the character may be fun to explore. On the other hand, Powell is fine without being associated with superheroes as his film choices continue to impress fans.
The Industry Was Confused With The Unique Tone of Glen Powell’s Hit Man
Glen Powell co-wrote, co-produced, and is the lead in the upcoming Richard Linklater film Hit Man. The actor plays an undercover contractor for the New Orleans police, posing as a dangerous hitman. When a woman desperately needs her help, he has to break protocol and do whatever it takes to save her, leading to a surprising turn of events.
The film is a mix of various genres: a rom-com, a thriller, and a screwball comedy. He and Linklater worked hard to blend these genres into a cohesive script. The film received rave reviews when it premiered in various film festivals last year, but the industry was still not sure about its potential.
Powell pointed out this aspect in an interview with Collider. The actor revealed that the film’s mish-mash of various genres confused the industry, who had no idea what to do with it. However, Powell trusted his instincts and believed in the film, and it was later acquired by Netflix. He said,
What you realize is the genre mash-up of this movie — what we found to be the opportunity of something truly original, something that we really felt had something to say, something that was exciting and sexy and had thrilling elements and romantic elements, but it was kind of screwball — the business didn’t know what to do with it. And I don’t know what that’s taught me necessarily, but the reaction to it has taught me a lot, which is trusting your instincts.
Hit Man has received great reviews so far and has a stunning 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to Powell, the film also stars Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, and Retta.
The film will premiere on Netflix on June 7, 2024. Powell also has Twisters coming up on July 19, 2024.
