Glen Powell Explains Why ‘The Running Man’ Flopped, and He Points the Finger at Paramount

Glen Powell has spent the last few years as one of Hollywood’s most dependable leading men. ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘Anyone But You’ and ‘Twisters’ all made serious money, and his likable, golden-retriever energy turned him into a reliable box office draw. That track record is what made his recent run of disappointments so surprising.

Two of his latest films underperformed, and the questions about why have followed him ever since. Powell has now addressed them in a new magazine cover story, where he also talked about why he keeps out of political debates. The comments land at an interesting moment for both the actor and the studio at the center of his complaints.

In his Esquire cover story, Powell explained why he believes ‘The Running Man’ struggled in theaters, and he put much of the blame on Paramount. Powell, who turns 38 later this month, said the studio let go of an entire marketing department shortly before the film’s release, in the middle of a merger. In his view, that turmoil left the movie without the support it needed.

The numbers were rough. Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the Stephen King story opened in November 2025 and finished with just under $70 million worldwide, against a production budget around $110 million. Deadline reported at the time that the film opened to about $28 million globally.

Powell’s account lines up with reporting from the period. Paramount’s global distribution and marketing chief Marc Weinstock had left in the fall, and his replacement, Josh Goldstine, did not start until October 15, about a month before the movie opened. Deadline reported that staffers were in limbo as the studio weighed job cuts, and Variety noted that mass layoffs hit in late October 2025, just weeks before the premiere.

Paramount’s turmoil was not the only issue. The film’s R rating put it at a disadvantage against PG-13 competition such as ‘Predator: Badlands’ and ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,’ which opened in the same crowded November window. Other analysts also pointed out that the property itself is not a massive brand name, and that the marketing struggled to reach women.

Someone close to the production told Deadline at the time that the result should not be read as proof Powell cannot open a movie. The report described him as a star who works hard on post-production and promotion, and who cares about how his films perform. Powell’s own comments suggest he still feels that way.

Powell also reflected on ‘How to Make a Killing,’ his 2026 release, which grossed a little over $21 million worldwide. He said there were a lot of issues with that one, and that there simply was not enough time to do it properly. His takeaway, he explained, is that there is no need to rush a project out the door.

It is a notable bit of candor from an actor who is usually upbeat in interviews. It also hints at a more cautious approach to his next few projects. After two disappointments in a row, taking time may be the point.

The Running Man (2025) New Trailer: https://t.co/AECtwkFcUu

— Retro Recall (☥𝐃𝐁) (@RetroMoviesDB) October 13, 2025

The same interview covered a very different topic. Powell said he has learned that politics divide people, and that he finds the discourse unhealthy compared with what it once was. He added that he respects those who jump in and fight for their beliefs, but that his calling is elsewhere.

He explained that he grew up with parents who rarely brought up current events at the dinner table, and he is grateful for that. According to the magazine, politics interests him even less now. His stance echoes that of Dwayne Johnson, who said earlier this year in his own Esquire cover story that he would no longer speak publicly about politics.

Powell is not walking away from anything, either. He has a full slate and a loyal fan base, and one underperforming film does not erase his earlier hits. The key question is whether his next release gets the marketing support he says ‘The Running Man’ lacked.

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