Glen Powell, Hollywood's new darling, set to explode in 2025 with The Running Man
If you feel like Glen Powell is suddenly everywhere, you're not wrong. After years of hustling in Hollywood, facing endless unsuccessful auditions and rejections that would have discouraged anyone, he's now been propelled to global stardom. But what's truly fascinating is the way he's pulling it off: not by steamrolling everything in his path, but by establishing a style, a presence, a way of being an actor that really resonates with the current zeitgeist. And 2025 marks a decisive turning point with The Running Man, the adaptation of Stephen King's novel, whose trailer alone has already lit a fire.
From the shadows to the spotlight: a lesson in resilience
I remember chatting with an agent five years ago who told me: "Glen? He's talented, but he doesn't have that 'thing' that sells popcorn." As if that 'thing' could be measured by an algorithm. Powell himself has spoken, with disarming honesty, about his years of struggle, those moments when he thought about quitting. This authenticity, this ability to acknowledge failure without bitterness, is precisely what makes him likeable. He embodies a generation of actors who reject the polished veneer of marketing products. And maybe that's why, when he puts on Ben Richards' suit in The Running Man, you immediately feel the gravity of the role, the weight of years of fighting.
"The Running Man": the red jacket set to spark a trend
Let's talk about this adaptation. Stephen King isn't a stranger to cinema, but rare are the versions that capture the essence of his anti-heroes. From what I've gathered behind the scenes, the director built the film around Powell's physicality. There's a scene, already legendary in the editing suites, where he appears in a Glen Powell The Running Man 2025 red jacket that absolutely pops on screen. It's not just a prop: it's a statement. A flash of colour in a grey, dystopian world, a symbol of rebellion. US previews have already caused a frenzy: fans want this jacket. I'd wager it'll become the most sought-after item of the year, reaching far beyond just film buffs.
The "standee" phenomenon and tangible pop culture
The funny thing about Glen Powell's rise to stardom is the way it manifests in fans' everyday lives. People aren't just watching his films anymore; they want him in their homes. Proof? The explosive sales of Celebrity Cutouts Glen Powell Cardboard Cutout. Standee. Get Up. Yes, life-sized cardboard silhouettes. I walked into a friend's apartment in Sydney last week, and he'd proudly placed a "Get Up" standee of Powell in his lounge room, like a protective totem. It's both kitsch and terribly modern. It says something about our relationship with idols: we invite them into our personal space, we collect them like pop art pieces.
This trend of materialising the icon is also reflected in fashion. The Glen Powell Pop Art Heart Sweatshirt, a jumper with a Roy Lichtenstein-style heart he wore on a talk show, has become a must-have. Sales jumped 300% in a week on vintage clothing platforms. Here are some of the most in-demand items linked to the actor right now:
- The red jacket from The Running Man (2025) : already available for pre-order on costume sites.
- The "Get Up" cardboard standee : a life-size cutout, often used for themed parties.
- The Pop Art Heart sweatshirt : limited re-edition by a streetwear brand.
- The book "Raising a Secure Child" : yes, you'll read below why this parenting guide is linked to Powell.
The hero's intellect: when Powell recommends a self-help book
But hey, let's not just focus on the surface image. Glen Powell isn't just a pretty face in a red jacket. In a recent interview on a little-known podcast, he mentioned a book that profoundly impacted him during filming: Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore. At first glance, you think: what's that got to do with an action thriller? Actually, Powell explained that to portray a hunted man, willing to do anything to survive, he needed to understand the mechanics of attachment, emotional resilience, and that freedom to explore the unknown. This book, initially aimed at parents, gave him a key to unlocking his character's vulnerability. It's this kind of depth, this way of connecting a hero's psychology to child development concepts, that sets apart a true actor from a mere performer.
Why Australia is falling for Glen Powell
Aussies have always had a soft spot for American actors who possess a certain nonchalance mixed with intelligence. Powell ticks all the boxes. He has that laid-back, almost European quality in his acting. He doesn't take himself too seriously, but he takes his craft very seriously. Between the anticipated box office for The Running Man (scheduled for release here in late 2025) and the tidal wave of merchandise set to hit, I'm willing to bet his face will soon adorn teenage bedrooms and fashion editors' mood boards. The Powell phenomenon is just getting started, and he's smart enough not to try and completely control it. Now that's the mark of a true star.