Glen Powell Discusses Why ‘The Running Man’ Flopped and Blames Paramount
Glen Powell has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men in recent years. Films like ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘Anyone But You,’ and ‘Twisters’ have all been significant box office successes, showcasing his likable, golden-retriever energy. This track record makes his recent disappointments all the more surprising.
Two of his latest films have underperformed, raising questions that have followed him since their release. In a new magazine cover story, Powell addressed these issues and also shared his thoughts on avoiding political debates. His comments come at a pivotal moment for both him and the studio involved in his critiques.
In his Esquire cover story, Powell discussed why he believes ‘The Running Man’ struggled at the box office, attributing much of the blame to Paramount. As he approaches his 38th birthday, Powell noted that the studio disbanded its entire marketing department just before the film’s release amid a merger, which he feels left the movie without the necessary support.
The financial results were disappointing. Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the Stephen King story debuted in November 2025, grossing just under $70 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $110 million. At its opening, Deadline reported that the film earned around $28 million globally.
Powell’s perspective aligns with reports from that time. Paramount’s global distribution and marketing chief Marc Weinstock had departed in the fall, and his successor, Josh Goldstine, only started on October 15, about a month before the film’s release. Reports indicated that staff members were uncertain about their jobs as the studio considered layoffs, with Variety noting significant job cuts occurring in late October 2025, just weeks before the premiere.
However, Paramount’s internal issues weren’t the sole factor. The film’s R rating placed it at a disadvantage against PG-13 competitors like ‘Predator: Badlands’ and ‘Now You See Me: Now You Donβt,’ which were released in the same crowded November window. Analysts also pointed out that the property itself lacks a strong brand identity, and marketing efforts struggled to engage female audiences.
A source close to the production told Deadline that the film’s performance shouldn’t be interpreted as evidence that Powell cannot lead a successful movie. The report characterized him as a dedicated star who invests effort into post-production and promotion, genuinely caring about his films’ success. Powell’s own remarks suggest he continues to feel this way.
Powell also reflected on ‘How to Make a Killing,’ his 2026 release, which earned just over $21 million worldwide. He mentioned that numerous issues plagued that project and that there simply wasn’t enough time to execute it properly. His takeaway is that rushing a project is unnecessary.
This candid reflection is notable for an actor who typically maintains an upbeat demeanor in interviews. It suggests a more cautious approach to his upcoming projects. After experiencing two consecutive disappointments, taking time may be a strategic decision.
The Running Man (2025)
New Trailer: https://t.co/AECtwkFcUuβ Retro Recall (β₯ππ) (@RetroMoviesDB) October 13, 2025
The same interview touched on a different subject. Powell expressed that he has learned that politics can divide people and finds the current discourse unhealthy compared to the past. He respects those who engage in political discussions but feels his calling lies elsewhere.
He shared that he grew up in a household where current events were rarely discussed at the dinner table, and he appreciates that upbringing. According to the magazine, he is even less interested in politics now. His stance mirrors that of Dwayne Johnson, who stated earlier this year in his own Esquire cover story that he would refrain from discussing politics publicly.
Powell is not stepping back from his career. He has a busy schedule and a dedicated fanbase, and one underperforming film does not diminish his previous successes. The key question remains whether his next release will receive the marketing support that he claims ‘The Running Man’ lacked.
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