UT has proudly produced an impressive number of notable alumni, from political figures to business moguls to the film industry’s top-billed names. One of UT’s former students recently ignited the big screen this past year. When Glen Powell spoke at the Moody College of Communication’s 2023 commencement ceremony, few attendees may have realized his essential role in Hollywood within the next year. To help highlight the star’s budding career, The Daily Texan broke down Powell’s most recent projects as well as his soon-to-be major motion pictures.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Tom Cruise’s name may prove the most notable in “Top Gun: Maverick,” but the movie did undeniably catapult Powell’s plunge onto the big screen. Powell plays a pilot in this exciting addition to “Top Gun,” in which Pete “Maverick” Mitchell trains new graduates from Naval school TOP GUN. While Powell plays a small role, it’s no surprise his appearance in a movie involving A-lister Cruise aided in his future successes.
Anyone But You (2023)
Powell’s stardom skyrocketed with 2023’s “Anyone But You” as he played opposite Sydney Sweeney in a romantic comedy loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” In a classic enemies-to-lovers story, Ben (Powell) and Bea (Sweeney) reunite at Bea’s sisters’ wedding after a string of miscommunications that lead the two leads to despise each other. Not only did this flick usher in a massive box office success, but it brought back the 2000s trend of Shakespeare-inspired romances.
Hit Man (2023)
Powell followed up his starring opposite Sweeney with a movie in which he occupies the leading role. In the Netflix original movie “Hit Man,” Powell plays Gary Johnson, an undercover law enforcement official who poses as a hitman. During his pursuit to unveil the New Orleans crime scene, he falls for a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. The movie pulls in audiences from action-adventure fans to those seeking a compelling love story, and, in tandem, demonstrates Powell’s ability to portray various genres.
Twisters (2024)
Most recently, Powell stars in “Twisters,” the sequel of the 1996 disaster film “Twister,” where he plays adrenaline junkie Tyler Owens who films treacherous storms and posts them on social media. Powell will act alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones as they thrill fans of the first movie on Friday.
Huntington (TBD)
While no official date has been released, Powell will soon take on A24 with black comedy “Huntington.” Most details remain unbeknownst to the public, but it is inspired by the 1949 film “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” in which an opera singer estranged from his family’s fortune attempts to murder his entire family in retaliation. His darkly humorous acting in “Hit Man” will likely prepare him for this upcoming project.
Considering Powell’s growing filmography, the recent announcement of his return to UT-Austin to finish his Spanish and Early American history degree displays his commitment to education as well as entertainment. Although his list of big-name projects remains limited at the moment, his extensive efforts in the past couple of years shows promise for his future in cinema.
