By Harshit | September 26, 2025 | Los Angeles | 9:20 AM EDT
Hollywood has found a new bromance. Actor Glen Powell has revealed that Tom Cruise has become an invaluable mentor and “resource” throughout his career, offering advice that has shaped his choices on screen and even his approach to challenging roles.
Powell Reflects on Cruise’s Influence
Powell, 36, first worked with Cruise on the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, which became a global box office sensation in 2022. Their collaboration on the aviation drama not only boosted Powell’s visibility but also began a relationship of trust between the rising star and one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures.
In a recent interview, Powell said he often turns to Cruise when navigating new projects. “He was my first call,” Powell shared, recalling how the veteran actor advised him on the use of prosthetics for his latest role. “Tom was extremely helpful in making sure I didn’t go down the wrong path. He really pointed us in the right direction.”
New Role in Chad Powers
Powell is currently starring in Chad Powers, a new Hulu series that blends comedy, drama, and sports. The show follows Russ Holliday, a disgraced football player who reinvents himself by going undercover as “Chad Powers” for another shot at the game. The premise was inspired by an ESPN spoof sketch created by former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, which became a viral hit.
For Powell, the challenge lay not just in playing a dual character but in convincingly disappearing under heavy prosthetic makeup. If the transformation failed to look authentic, the series risked losing its central comedic and dramatic tension. “If you don’t buy the fact that the world believes this is a real human, the whole experiment falls apart,” Powell explained.
It was here that Cruise’s guidance became critical. The Mission: Impossible star drew from his own experience with roles that required extensive makeup, particularly his turn as Les Grossman in the 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder. Powell said Cruise’s insights helped the production team perfect the balance between realism and exaggeration, ensuring the disguise felt believable.
A Mentor in the Industry
Powell describes Cruise as a constant sounding board, someone who has “played every character in the book” and whose decades of experience make him uniquely positioned to advise. “I definitely always use him as a resource,” Powell said. “He’s been a real godsend for me.”
The relationship reflects a growing trend in Hollywood where established stars take on mentorship roles for the next generation. For Powell, whose career is now bridging romantic comedies, dramas, and action thrillers, Cruise’s advice has helped him manage the transition into leading-man status.
The nickname “TC,” which Powell affectionately uses for Cruise, underscores the familiarity between the two. Beyond professional guidance, Powell emphasized that Cruise’s enthusiasm and commitment to the craft have inspired him personally.
Cruise’s Continuing Impact
Tom Cruise, 63, remains one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. His longevity in the industry is credited to his ability to reinvent himself across genres while maintaining a reputation for discipline and dedication. For younger actors like Powell, his career represents a model of how to balance blockbuster success with artistic challenges.
By sharing his experience, Cruise not only shapes Powell’s trajectory but also reinforces his own influence on the future of Hollywood. The mentorship demonstrates how collaborative relationships between stars can transcend individual projects, fostering continuity and growth across generations.
Audience and Industry Reaction
The revelation of Cruise’s behind-the-scenes role in Chad Powers has sparked interest among fans and industry insiders. Social media buzzed with appreciation for the unexpected bond between the two actors, with many praising Powell for openly acknowledging his mentor.
Critics have also noted that Cruise’s guidance on prosthetics reflects his attention to detail, a trait that has become a hallmark of his work. For audiences, the collaboration adds another layer of intrigue to Powell’s performance, raising expectations for how convincingly he can transform into Chad Powers.
Looking Ahead
With Chad Powers debuting on Hulu, Powell continues to climb the ranks of Hollywood’s leading men. His ability to toggle between romantic comedies like Anyone But You and action-heavy roles positions him as one of the industry’s most versatile actors. Backed by Cruise’s mentorship, his next chapters in film and television appear promising.
For Cruise, the role of mentor seems a natural extension of his legacy, cementing his place not only as a star but as a guiding force for those shaping the future of the industry.
