With the recent success of “Anyone But You” and two more films premiering this summer, Glen Powell is being hailed as a rising star by Hit Man director Richard Linklater. However, Powell’s parents humorously beg to differ.
At the Austin, Texas premiere of their new film, the 35-year-old Top Gun: Maverick star and his colleagues celebrated what looks to be a standout year for Powell. “It’s Glen’s night, it’s Glen’s summer,” Linklater, 63, told ET’s Cassie DiLaura on Wednesday. “It might be the year of Glen.” Despite this praise, Powell’s parents, Cyndy and Glen Powell Sr., lightheartedly tried to keep their son grounded by holding up playful signs that mocked the internet’s skepticism about Powell’s rising fame.
As the actor posed for photos, his parents displayed signs that read, “Stop trying to make Glen Powell happen” and “It’s never gonna happen.” When asked about his parents’ antics, Powell explained that their playful trolling is a family tradition. “My mom and dad are known for trolling me a bit,” Powell shared, noting that their idea came from mean tweets. “I don’t read tweets, but my parents do – so if you’re talking s**t, know that my parents are reading those tweets.”
Despite the trolling, Powell emphasized that his parents’ support is unwavering. “Even though they troll me, they support me in every way,” he added.
Powell is gearing up for the release of “Hit Man,” where he stars as Gary Johnson, a tech expert turned undercover cop who impersonates hit men to catch those who hire them. The plot thickens when he falls for a woman, played by Adria Arjona, who wants her husband dead – and then the husband ends up dead. Powell co-wrote the script with Linklater, drawing inspiration from a real story and a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth.
Linklater praised Powell’s dedication and talent, noting that the actor’s hard work has paid off. “He’s worked so hard, no one deserves it more,” said Linklater. “He’s just a really special talent, and we’re all so proud of him.” Reflecting on their previous collaboration on 2016’s “Everybody Wants Some!!,” Linklater expressed confidence in Powell’s future. “He’s had a great career, but he’s got an even bigger career ahead of him.”
Powell expressed gratitude for the support from his hometown and the people who watched him grow up. “Having this honor here with my friends and family is incredible,” he said. “I’ve got my kindergarten teacher here, my fifth-grade teacher, my football coach, my creative writing teacher – it’s like having a team of people who have all been part of this journey.”
“Hit Man” will be in select theaters on May 24 and streaming on Netflix starting June 7.
Credit: ET Online
