Glen Powell, Hollywood's new heartthrob, is set to take on The Running Man in 2025

If you feel like Glen Powell is suddenly everywhere, you're not wrong. After years of paying his dues in Hollywood, enduring endless unsuccessful auditions and facing rejections that would have discouraged anyone, he's now been catapulted to global stardom. But what's truly fascinating is the way he's pulling it off: not by steamrolling his way through, but by establishing a style, a presence, a way of being an actor that really resonates with the current times. And 2025 marks a decisive turning point with The Running Man, the adaptation of Stephen King's novel, whose teaser trailer alone has already set the world on 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 tough years, those moments when he considered giving it all up. This authenticity, this ability to acknowledge failure without bitterness, is precisely what makes him so likeable. He embodies a generation of actors who reject the polished veneer of marketing products. And maybe that's why, when he slips into Ben Richards' suit in The Running Man, you immediately feel the gravity of the role, the weight of years of struggle.

"The Running Man": the red jacket set to send trends into overdrive

Let's talk about this adaptation. Stephen King is no stranger to cinema, but rare are the versions that capture the essence of his anti-heroes. From what I've managed to gather behind the scenes, the director has built the film around Powell's physicality. There's a scene, already legendary in the editing rooms, where he appears in a Glen Powell The Running Man 2025 red jacket that just rips through the screen. It's not just an accessory: 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 will become the most sought-after item of the year, well beyond the circle of film buffs.

The "standee" phenomenon and material 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 to have him at home. The proof? The explosive sales of Glen Powell standees. Life-size cutouts. Get Up. Yes, life-size cardboard cutouts. I walked into an apartment in Auckland last week, and a friend had proudly placed a "Get Up" standee of Powell in their living 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 seen in fashion. The Glen Powell Pop Art Heart Sweatshirt, a sweatshirt featuring a Roy Lichtenstein-style heart that 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 sought-after 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 reissue 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 hang on, let's not stop at the superficial image. Glen Powell is more than just a pretty face in a red jacket. In a recent interview for a niche podcast, he mentioned a book that deeply 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 might wonder: what does that have to do with an action thriller? In reality, 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 intended for parents, gave him a key to approach his character's vulnerability. It's this kind of depth, this way of linking the hero's psychology to concepts of child development, that sets an actor apart from a mere performer.

Why New Zealand is falling for Glen Powell

New Zealand audiences have always had a soft spot for American actors who possess a certain nonchalance tinged with intelligence. Powell ticks all the boxes. He has that je-ne-sais-quoi of being relaxed, almost European, in his performance. He doesn't take himself too seriously, but he takes his craft very seriously. Between the anticipated box office for The Running Man (scheduled here for late 2025) and the tidal wave of merchandise set to arrive, I'm willing to bet his face will soon adorn teenagers' bedrooms and the mood boards of fashion editors. 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 great.