5 Shocking Revelations From Glen Powell's Vanity Fair Interview: Why He's Rejecting The MCU And DCU

The latest *Vanity Fair* Hollywood Issue has cemented Glen Powell’s status as a top-tier leading man, but the accompanying interview, published in mid-2024 and still a major talking point today, reveals an actor forging a unique path in Tinseltown. As of this current date, December 15, 2025, Powell is not just riding the wave of success from blockbusters like *Top Gun: Maverick* and *Twisters*; he is actively shaping a career defined by deliberate choices—most notably, a firm rejection of the massive superhero franchises that dominate the industry. This deep dive into his professional philosophy and upcoming projects offers a fresh, candid look at the star who is determined to keep his art grounded, even as his fame soars.

The highly-anticipated *Vanity Fair* feature, part of the "Let's Hear It For The Boys" theme, positions Powell alongside other new-generation stars like A$AP Rocky, Jeremy Allen White, and Paul Mescal. The article provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a movie star who values creative control and authentic storytelling over the guaranteed paycheck and global recognition of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or the DC Universe (DCU). Powell’s candidness about his career trajectory, his demanding new roles, and his deep roots in Texas makes this one of the most revealing celebrity profiles of the year.

Glen Powell: Full Biography and Professional Profile

Glen Thomas Powell Jr. has emerged from a background of smaller roles to become one of Hollywood's most bankable and versatile actors, known for his charismatic screen presence and commitment to his craft. Here is a comprehensive look at the Texas native's life and career milestones:

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• Full Name: Glen Thomas Powell Jr.
• Date of Birth: October 21, 1988
• Birthplace: Austin, Texas, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 37
• Early Career Debut: Began his career with small roles, notably as the Long-fingered Boy in Robert Rodriguez's *Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over* (2003).
• Breakthrough Role: Lt. Jake "Hangman" Seresin in *Top Gun: Maverick* (2022), starring alongside Tom Cruise.
• Notable Filmography: *The Dark Knight Rises*, *The Expendables 3*, *Everybody Wants Some!!*, *Hidden Figures*, *Set It Up*, *Hit Man*, and *Twisters*.
• Recent Projects (2025-2026): *The Running Man* (2025), *CHAD POWERS* (2025), *Huntington* (A24 revenge thriller), and *HOW TO MAKE A KILLING* (2026).
• Education: Attended Westwood High School in Austin, Texas.
• Unique Distinction: Frequently collaborates with director Richard Linklater.

The Anti-Franchise Stance: Why Powell is Rejecting the MCU and DCU

One of the most striking takeaways from Powell's *Vanity Fair* interview is his definitive stance on the superhero industrial complex. While many actors view a role in the MCU or DCU as the pinnacle of global stardom, Powell is actively steering clear, a surprising move for an actor at his peak.

Powell's philosophy centers on the desire for grounded, character-driven storytelling over the demands of a multi-picture contract in a shared cinematic universe. He has reportedly received offers from both Marvel Studios and DC Studios but has chosen to prioritize projects where he feels he can offer a more authentic and human performance.

This decision is rooted in a desire to maintain creative freedom and avoid the type of hyper-masculine, often derivative, roles that *Vanity Fair* itself highlighted as a changing trend in Hollywood. By focusing on original screenplays and working with visionary directors, Powell is positioning himself as a new kind of action star—one who relies on charisma, dramatic roles, and real-world stakes rather than CGI and capes. His appreciation for director Christopher Nolan, who cast him in a role in *The Dark Knight Rises*, underscores his preference for filmmakers who push the boundaries of cinema, rather than those who simply expand a universe.

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He understands the temporary nature of his current high-profile status, noting that he is seizing the opportunity to do the best work possible while he has the momentum. His rejection of the superhero machine is a calculated risk, betting on the longevity of a classic movie star career over the fleeting fame of a comic book hero.

Pushed to the Limit: The Brutality of *The Running Man* and His New Action Gauntlet

The *Vanity Fair* profile also delves into the intense physical and emotional demands of Powell’s upcoming slate of films, proving he is embracing the role of a modern action star without needing a superhero suit. His starring role as Ben Richards in the 2025 adaptation of *The Running Man*, based on the Stephen King novel, is central to this new era.

Powell revealed that the role of Ben Richards, a man forced to survive a brutal game show to save his sick daughter in a near-future dystopian society, pushed him to his absolute physical and mental limits. He described Richards as a character with a "short fuse," whose "superpower, as I say, is his anger." This focus on raw, human emotion and high-stakes survival is precisely the kind of grounded, intense work he seeks out, contrasting sharply with the often-sanitized violence of franchise films.

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This willingness to take on challenging, non-franchise action pictures is also evident in his recent success with *Twisters*, a high-octane disaster film, and his acclaimed turn in the dark comedy *Hit Man*, which he also co-wrote. The interview highlighted his transition from the charming "Hangman" in *Top Gun: Maverick* to a versatile actor who can lead a revenge thriller like the A24 production *Huntington*. By choosing diverse, quality projects, Powell is building a filmography that showcases range—a key factor for long-term topical authority in Hollywood.

The Texas Star: Staying Grounded Away From Hollywood's Glare

In an industry obsessed with the constant churn of celebrity gossip and the insular bubble of Los Angeles, Powell’s commitment to his roots in Austin, Texas, is another fresh and unique aspect highlighted in the *Vanity Fair* piece. The actor explained that his decision to base his personal life away from the Hollywood machine is a conscious effort to maintain authenticity and perspective.

Powell believes that being constantly immersed in Hollywood culture—where "all you do is consume movies and entertainment"—can make an artist "self-aware and maybe derivative of yourself." By keeping his personal life separate and grounded in his home state, he ensures that his creative output remains fresh, unique, and reflective of real-world experiences. This geographical and philosophical separation from the industry's epicenter is a critical component of his brand as an authentic, relatable star.

His preference for Texas is not just a personal quirk; it's a career strategy. It allows him to focus on the craft, collaborate with long-time creative partners like director Richard Linklater, and develop his own projects, such as *Hit Man*, without the constant noise and pressure of the Los Angeles ecosystem. This choice reinforces his image as an independent thinker who is not just chasing fame but building a legacy based on quality storytelling and creative control—a true leading man for the next generation of cinema.