Glen Powell says he stays out of politics in interviews because he believes it divides people, and he has blamed Paramount's marketing layoffs for the failure of The Running Man. The actor made both comments in a new Esquire cover story.
"Over time, I realized that politics divide people," Powell told the magazine. He called engaging in politics "not presently possible" for him, but said he applauds those who fight for what they believe in.
"If I were a political person, I would be talking about it," he said, adding that his calling lies elsewhere. Powell also addressed the disappointing run of The Running Man, Edgar Wright's adaptation, which made less than $70 million worldwide against a reported $110 million budget.
He pointed to turmoil at Paramount, saying the studio laid off an entire marketing department a month before the film opened, in the middle of its merger. Those layoffs hit in late October 2025, just weeks before the November release.
The film followed a run of hits that included Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You and Twisters. Powell's next film, the A24 thriller How to Make a Killing, also underperformed, taking around $21 million worldwide.
"There were a lot of issues with that," he said. Reports at the time of the Running Man release said staff at the studio were in limbo as job cuts loomed, and someone close to the production told Deadline the result should not be read as proof that Powell cannot open a film.
Industry analysts have noted that star power alone cannot always overcome studio restructuring, shifting audience tastes, and promotional failures. Promotional campaigns rely heavily on cohesive studio support, which was disrupted during the Paramount transition.
Despite these setbacks, Powell remains one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men, with multiple upcoming projects in various stages of development. His ability to candidly discuss industry challenges has earned him respect among peers and critics alike.
Fans continue to support his artistic choices, looking forward to his future roles where he can showcase his versatility without the distraction of political discourse. The entertainment landscape is rapidly changing, and actors are increasingly cautious about maintaining broad appeal.