Tom Cruise's Stunt Survival Tips: A Humorous Call with Glen Powell

When Action Heroes Mentor Newcomers

In the high-stakes world of Hollywood stunts, there's no one more adept at navigating danger than Tom Cruise. Recently, during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Glen Powell recounted a two-and-a-half-hour telephone conversation he had with the iconic star, filled with tips on 'how not to die' while filming stunts for his upcoming movie, The Running Man. Cruise's guidance serves not only as practical survival tactics but also as a testament to the bonds forged in the world of film.

The Advice that Lasted Hours

“I thought it would be a 10-minute call, but it was an extensive breakdown,” Powell shared. “He basically told me how not to die!”

First-Hand Stunt Experiences

Powell's role required him to tackle some daring stunts, and he vividly described one memorable experience:

“I had to abseil down eight stories of a building in freezing conditions, half-naked, and wearing a harness that cinched me. Believe me, nothing looked good.”

Despite the comical nature of his predicament, Powell highlighted that learning from Cruise meant understanding the grave realities of stunt work. Reflecting on a particularly intense moment, he joked:

“There was a guy whose only job was to stop me from kicking a window — which means he was looking up my skirt all night!”

The Daunting Fear of Stunts

However, beyond the laughter lies a deep respect for the craft. Cruise emphasized the importance of physical preparedness:

“He made it clear that stunts are just as painful as the real thing. If you get slammed onto your back from a table, you're going to feel it, and you'll be doing that multiple times!”

A Humble Mentor

After co-starring in Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise has taken Powell under his wing, acting as a guide through the often-treacherous journey of action films. During their call, the wisdom shared was both humorous and sobering, making Powell appreciate the “respect” stunt work deserves:

“He knows better than anyone how dangerous it can be; he's broken nearly every bone in his body,” Powell noted.

Responsibility and Authenticity

Powell relayed another key lesson from Cruise, highlighting the actor's commitment to authenticity:

“Performing your own stunts is a great privilege; you have a responsibility to sell it to the audience,” he explained.

For Cruise, it's not just about conveying a dynamic action sequence; it's about delivering an experience that justifies theatergoers' ticket prices.

The Upcoming Film

The anticipation builds as The Running Man gears up for its release on November 14. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film promises to be an exhilarating ride where Powell plays Ben Richards, a desperate father navigating a dystopian game show.

Conclusion: Learning from Legends

Many aspiring actors can learn from this exchange—moving beyond mere survival to mastering the art of performance. With Cruise's seasoned insight, Powell not only prepares for his stunts but also for a career that's sure to captivate audiences. As the premier nears, we can certainly expect a film that pays homage to the legacy of courageous filmmaking, thanks to wisdom shared between an icon and a rising star.