The Glenaissance: On Glen Powell’s Rise to Stardom
The release of Twisters (2024) this past summer sparked a cultural phenomenon, full of pop-country hits, cowboy hats, and an increase in interest in meteorology. All of these effects, though, pale in comparison to the whirlwind (some may say twister-like) rise of lead actor Glen Powell. Many claim that the rise of Glen Powell, or the Glenassaince, as I prefer to call it, has been a long time coming. To that I say they are 100% correct.
When observing his career history, it is clear that he has been commonly type-casted as a sort of frat bro archetype; someone who is charmingly stupid, somewhat obnoxious, but ultimately wins over the general public. This can be seen most clearly in his performances in Twisters, Anyone But You (2023), and Scream Queens (2015-2016). However, in each of these performances there remains an allure and a pull factor which is almost indescribable. While his looks have definitely helped to propel his career, I believe it is his phenomenal acting capabilities that truly capture audiences’ hearts. Not only does he bring depth and likeability to what seem to be initially shallow characters, he also brings his unbelievable range to each of his performances. Possibly the best display of this range is in Richard Linklater’s Hit Man (2023), in which Powell portrays the near antithesis of himself and his past characters. This range is further brought to light by the fact that within the film, he is playing a character who is also playing several different complex and quirky characters. In each role, regardless of character, he uses these impressive skills to leave audiences in awe; at times it even seems viewers are more in awe of Powell himself than the characters, on account of his ability to deliver such astonishing performances.
As evidenced by his recent popularity, Powell is on his way to becoming the next All-American heartthrob, similar to predecessors Mathew McConaughey, Tom Cruise and Paul Newman, all of whom share the charisma and magnetism required of such leading-man roles. Powell has found himself playing many masculine, archetypal characters. He also shares many qualities with several characters he has played, facing that same “playing himself” criticism that the aforementioned stars all faced.
If the rise of these hollywood titans, and now Powell have proved anything, though, it is that Hollywood and the people alike will always welcome a leading man with open arms. With my comparison to such acclaimed actors, it is clear that I do not think Glen Powell is just another “white boy of the month”. His long due, but swift rise to fame is a result of his mass appeal to the American people on a greater scale. Specifically from the cultural moment that was Twisters, but also from the beloved sequel to Top Gun (1986), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Glen Powell has, at least in my opinion, become synonymous with modern Americana. Picture it: a bald eagle, the American flag, and Glen Powell in a cowboy hat and aviators! He feeds into a modern version of classic masculinity in film, maintaining that All-American feeling and the strong, maybe overconfident attitude associated with classic interpretations of masculinity, but brings his real-life authenticity and security in his own masculinity to these roles, ultimately portraying the modern adaptation of a classic Hollywood sex symbol.
In my opinion, America will always long for its All-American leading man, and if that has to be so, I am glad to see it is Glen Powell, a man who brings such a charming honesty to each of his performances.
If you feel it…CHASE IT!!!
Writer: Cordelia Painter
