Glen Powell has become a household name thanks to his standout roles in movies like Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming disaster flick Twisters. But did you know he was almost part of another blockbuster? In a recent interview with GQ UK, Powell opened up about nearly landing a significant role in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film Oppenheimer.
Close but No Cigar for Oppenheimer Role
According to Powell, he was very close to playing Ernest Lawrence, a Nobel-winning nuclear physicist, in Oppenheimer. The role eventually went to Josh Hartnett. As Powell shared, It’s haunting when you blow those moments… that was always somebody else’s ride to go on.
Bigger Things on the Horizon
Missing out on Oppenheimer hasn’t slowed Powell’s career down. He’s lined up some exciting projects including Edgar Wright’s reimagining of The Running Man, reportedly involving a future dystopia where contestants are hunted on live TV. His portrayal in the sequel to 1996’s Twister, titled Twisters, is also highly anticipated. Set for release on July 19, 2024, this project has kept plot details under wraps making it all the more intriguing.
A Journey Filled with Near Misses
Powell is no stranger to near-miss roles. He reminisced about auditioning for the part of Han Solo in Solo: A Star Wars Story, which eventually went to Alden Ehrenreich. I can joke about it now, [but] I blew that final audition,
Powell admitted. The role could have been a game-changer, yet it serves as another example of Hollywood’s unpredictability.
Resilience and Determination
This isn’t the only time Powell has found himself just shy of major roles. He almost played Harrison Ford’s son in Cowboys & Aliens, and auditioned for roles in Friday Night Lights. Despite these setbacks, his persistence has paid off. As he put it, You can’t just be good – you also have to be very lucky.
The Future Looks Bright
On top of his work in upcoming films like Hit Man, which debuts on Netflix on June 7, Powell has his eyes set on dream projects such as a potential Captain Planet movie. His dedication and versatility have clearly made him one to watch in Hollywood.
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