Glen Powell graces the cover of Men’s Health December 2023 issue, captured by the photography duo AB+DM. Powell connects with the magazine to promote his latest movie, Anyone But You, which costars Sydney Sweeney.
In this cover story, Powell opens up about the nuances of his craft, the shifts in his personal life, and the realities of rising stardom. Discussing his role in Top Gun: Maverick, Powell shared how Tom Cruise helped him find his character’s confidence.
Glen Powell for Men’s Health
Powell recalls Cruise saying to him: “You are very apologetic. You don’t want to hurt people, you want to treat people well, you apologize even when you don’t need to. You can’t have any of that in your eyes.” This guidance helped Powell embrace the unapologetic swagger needed for his character.
Powell’s ascension to stardom has been gradual, likening it to a subtle change in weather. Yet, this change brings its storms. He admits the scrutiny of his public interactions, especially those with costar Sydney Sweeney in Australia, felt “disorienting and unfair.” But acceptance has come with the territory, “That’s just a part of this gig now.”
The 35-year-old actor’s candidness extends to personal well-being, where he acknowledges the impact of diet and lifestyle, understanding the importance of moderation, “I can go nuts if I want to.” The complexities of public life also tinge his dating experiences, where a request for a selfie can pivot a genuine connection to a fan encounter.
Amidst his nomadic life, Powell found solace in adopting Brisket, a rescue dog, pouring his need for love into his four-legged companion. This love mirrors his relationship approach, where he seeks a partner who embraces the “adventure, down for that uncertainty.”
Powell’s reflections culminate in an understanding of his nature as a people pleaser and the boundaries he’s learning to set. He admits, “I would just try to make everybody happy.” But with time, he’s grasping the importance of self-care.
This introspection leads him to ponder the definition of a “leading man,” dismissing it as irrelevant and instead focusing on the continuous journey of working and growing in an industry he loves.
