Glen Powell explains why he is “not a political person”
Actor Glen Powell has opened up about his stance on politics in a divided America and an industry fast falling into the hands of censorship.
The 37-year-old actor has starred in a variety of movies, such as the comedy Anyone But You alongside Sydney Sweeney, 2023’s Hit Man, and 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. In a new interview with The Guardian, Powell has opened up about how he finds “the real world” the most difficult part of his job.
When asked if he finds it difficult being all-American in a divided America, he concurred. Although he shared, “I’m not a political person. I like things that bring people together.”
Powell’s upcoming movie, The Running Man, is an adaptation of Stephen King’s classic 1982 novel of the same name. In the action movie, Powell plays Ben Richards, who, per the synopsis, “must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward”.
After discussing how, in the face of worsening politics, the genre “is a universal language” and therefore can help unify people, he stated, “You’re not going to see me talk politics. But movies – that’s how I express myself. Movies are a conversation; politics always felt to me like two people trying to prove a point.”
Powell then reflected on a recent media storm that revolved around his co-star Sweeney. She was at the heart of the criticism faced by an American Eagle campaign, titled ‘Sweeney Has Great Jeans’, which plays on “jeans” and “genes”. The advert faced criticism for promoting eugenics, suggesting her white heritage and natural thinness were more desirable than other genes.
However, Powell said that this was “bullshit”. When the interviewer pointed out that not many people went on record to agree, he shared, “The sad part is you do have to separate yourself. You can’t get caught up in it – it has nothing to do with you, it has to do with ad dollars. And, you know, there is no course-correcting.”
He continued, “If something’s false, you’re not actually setting the record straight, you’re just feeding the beast. That’s why I don’t say shit – just let it come, and let it go. Not feeding the beast and not trying to fight anything. I’ve realised the smart people in Hollywood don’t try to fight anything that has nothing to do with them.”
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