Glen Powell Flies Past Superhero Roles, Prefers Underdog Stories

Hollywood's rising star Glen Powell recently shared his thoughts on why he's not jumping into the Marvel or DC Universes anytime soon, even though fans (and an Avengers writer!) have some ideas for him.

TL;DR

• Glen Powell isn't actively pursuing roles in the MCU or DCU, despite fan speculation and even a suggestion from Avengers: Doomsday writer Michael Waldron.
• He prefers "ordinary guy against extraordinary odds" stories where characters are relatable underdogs, rather than those with superpowers.
• Powell views his upcoming Hulu series, Chad Powers, which he co-created, as his own take on a superhero narrative, complete with a secret identity.
• Catch him next in action-packed thrillers like Twisters, Stephen King's The Running Man, and returning as Hangman in Top Gun 3.

Alright, movie buffs, let's talk about Glen Powell. Ever since he stole scenes in Top Gun: Maverick, his star has been soaring faster than a F-18. Naturally, with Hollywood’s superhero factories always churning, fans — and even some industry insiders — have been busy dream-casting Powell into various caped crusader roles. Think Nova for Marvel or Booster Gold for DC. Sounds like a perfect fit for his charismatic, often cocky, yet ultimately heroic vibe, right?

Well, hold your horses, because Powell himself is pumping the brakes on that idea. In recent chats, he's made it pretty clear that while he respects what Marvel and DC are doing, Superhero Movies just aren't his cup of tea right now. And honestly, his reasons are pretty compelling for anyone who loves a good, old-fashioned underdog story.

Why Glen Powell Prefers Real-World Heroes Over Superpowers

So, why is a red-hot actor like Glen Powell sidestepping the massive superhero franchises? It's not about being too good for them, nor is it a diss to the genre. He actually loves what Marvel and DC are putting out there. Instead, it boils down to a desire for something more... human. Powell explains that for him, the emotional connection starts to fade once a character gains superpowers.

"Look, the thing about superhero stories that I’ve always loved is it’s like the early days of something, building something. I don’t feel, as a person, like a superhero. Once someone becomes super, I sort of kind of tend to no longer feel… the same emotional connection."

— Glen Powell, on his preference for relatable characters

He's drawn to stories where "it's an ordinary guy against extraordinary odds," those classic "underdog stories" that inspired him to get into acting in the first place. He pines for the "Man Against the System" or "David and Goliath" narratives we saw in the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s – movies where nobody has actual superpowers, but they summon enough strength and energy to achieve something incredible. He wants audiences to leave the theater thinking, "Oh, that could be me." That relatability is key for Powell.

How Chad Powers Became Glen Powell's Own Superhero Adventure

Interestingly, Powell feels like he's already had a taste of the superhero life with his upcoming Hulu comedy-drama series, Chad Powers. He co-created the show with none other than Michael Waldron, the writer behind Marvel's Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, who is also working on Avengers: Doomsday. Together, they conceptualized Chad Powers as a superhero story.

If you're wondering how a show about a disgraced college football player disguising himself to get back on the field fits the superhero mold, Powell has a clear vision. He sees a "Batman/Bruce Wayne thing going on there," with the duality of a "super version" of himself and a hidden identity. He loves the idea of secret identities and the core tropes of superhero narratives, even if he's not chasing a specific costumed hero role himself.

The Chad Powers series is set to debut on Hulu and Disney+ on September 30, 2025, starring Powell as Russ Holliday/Chad Powers, alongside Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, and Wynn Everett. So, it seems Powell is already flexing his creative muscles in the "superhero" space, just on his own terms.

Fan-Casting and A Writer's Suggestion for Nova in the MCU

Despite Powell's preference, the fan-casting machine never sleeps. Many viewers have pictured him donning the helmet of Nova, the cosmic hero, in the MCU. This isn't just wishful thinking; even Michael Waldron, who knows the MCU inside out and has worked closely with Powell, has publicly stated that Powell "would be a pretty good Nova." For those unaware, Nova was a prominent figure in the comics, even a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy at one point, and a solo series for the character was once in development for Disney+ before being put on pause.

Then there's the DC Universe. Fans have also rallied around the idea of Powell playing Booster Gold, a washed-up athlete from the future who travels back in time to become a famous superhero using advanced tech. Powell even acknowledged the Booster Gold rumors, commenting that the character "is really funny." It's easy to see why these roles appeal to fans – Powell's comedic timing, charm, and ability to play characters who are a bit full of themselves but ultimately good-hearted, would be perfect for both.

It's a stark contrast to how some other actors approach these roles. For instance, Jeremy Allen White reportedly ended his one and only meeting with Marvel by asking, "Why should I do your movie?" Powell, however, expressed genuine admiration for what Marvel and DC are doing, even if he's not looking to join the ranks.

Embracing the Old-School "Man Against the System" Vibe

So, if not superheroes, what kind of roles does Glen Powell want? He's all about that old-school aura, the kind of gritty, relatable heroism seen in '80s and '90s action films. And his upcoming projects perfectly reflect this vision. He's already shown his "old-school flair" opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, and he'll be bringing that energy to Twisters later in 2024.

Perhaps the best example of his preferred heroic journey is his starring role in Edgar Wright's remake of Stephen King's classic dystopian novel, The Running Man. Set to hit cinemas on November 14, 2025, Powell plays Ben Richards, a desperate man in a not-so-distant future. To save his family, he enters a deadly game show where he's hunted for 30 days. No superpowers, just pure human grit and determination against a system designed to crush him.

What You Need To Know About Glen Powell's Upcoming Film "The Running Man"

• Release Date: November 14, 2025
• Director: Edgar Wright
• Writers: Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall, Stephen King (novel)
• Starring: Glen Powell (Ben Richards), Josh Brolin (Dan Killian), Jayme Lawson (Sheila Richards), Lee Pace (Evan McCone)
• Plot: In a dystopian future, Ben Richards must survive a deadly reality TV game show for 30 days to win a massive cash prize and save his family. It's a true "man against the system" story, showcasing an ordinary person pushed to extraordinary lengths.

This film embodies everything Powell seeks: an ordinary person facing extraordinary odds, fighting for something deeply personal, and inspiring audiences with sheer will rather than superhuman abilities. It’s a "David and Goliath" battle where the hero is just a man with everything to lose.

Looking Ahead: Glen Powell's Exciting Slate Beyond Super-Suits

While the MCU and DCU might not be on his immediate radar, Glen Powell certainly isn't slowing down. Besides Chad Powers and The Running Man, he's also confirmed to return as Lieutenant Jake "Hangman" Seresin in Top Gun 3. Details are still under wraps, but reuniting with Tom Cruise and Miles Teller for another high-flying adventure is something fans are eagerly anticipating.

From playing a stockbroker in The Dark Knight Rises early in his career to becoming a leading man known for his grounded yet thrilling performances, Powell has carved out a unique and successful path. His focus on relatable, human-centered stories ensures that his characters resonate deeply with audiences, proving that you don't need a cape or superpowers to be a hero on screen.

So, for now, don't expect Glen Powell to be punching aliens or flying through space in a superhero suit. Instead, get ready to see him tackle tornadoes, navigate deadly game shows, and soar the skies in jets, bringing his signature charm and intensity to roles that feel very much... human.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glen Powell's Movie Choices When is Glen Powell's series Chad Powers being released? Chad Powers, co-created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, is scheduled to be released on September 30, 2025, on Hulu and Disney+. What is The Running Man remake about and when does it come out? The Running Man is a remake of Stephen King's novel, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell. It's about a man who enters a deadly game show to win money for his family. It is slated for release on November 14, 2025. Why does Glen Powell prefer "ordinary guy" roles over superheroes? Powell prefers roles where an "ordinary guy faces extraordinary odds" because he finds them more relatable. He feels a stronger emotional connection to characters who achieve greatness through human strength and effort rather than superpowers, allowing audiences to feel "that could be me." Will Glen Powell be in Top Gun 3? Yes, Glen Powell is confirmed to reprise his role as Lieutenant Jake "Hangman" Seresin in the upcoming Top Gun 3, reuniting with Tom Cruise and Miles Teller. Sources

• CBR.com - Glen Powell Does Not Want To Be Nova In MCU
• Collider.com - Glen Powell Has Already Had His Run as a Superhero
• MovieWeb.com - Glen Powell Explains Why He Isn't Joining the MCU or DCU
• ScreenRant.com - Glen Powell's Best Superhero Role Is At DC, Not Marvel
• SuperHeroHype.com - Glen Powell Loves Superhero Movies But Has Good Reason for Not Doing Them