Glen Powell has clarified his involvement in the upcoming reboot of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, confirming that he will serve as a producer rather than star in the film. The actor, best known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, explained his position during an interview with Collider. “Well, I’m just producing it with Barnstorm. I’m not starring in it,” he stated.
Despite stepping back from the spotlight, Powell expressed confidence in the project’s direction. The reboot will be directed by J.T. Mollner, known for his work on The Long Walk, with Dan Cohen also on board as a producer. Powell praised Mollner, describing him as “one of the great filmmakers” and highlighting his passion for the original film. “J.T. is one of the great voices, and I think he’s going to be a part of our cinematic lives for a long time,” he said.
In his comments, Powell hinted at the creative team’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the original 1974 horror classic. He refrained from revealing specific plot details but assured fans that they would “do it justice.” Reflecting on his personal connection to the franchise, he remarked, “I grew up on Texas Chainsaw. The team around it is extraordinary, and we’re going to do it justice. I promise.”
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
Alongside his production role, Powell is set to appear in the forthcoming thriller The Running Man, which is based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel of the same name. The film is scheduled for release on November 7, 2025, and is set in a dystopian future where the impoverished are hunted for sport on live television. In this adaptation, Powell portrays Ben Richards, a desperate contestant who enters a deadly game to secure funds for his ailing daughter.
As the plot unfolds, Richards discovers that survival may require him to turn the tables on the game’s creators. The cast also includes notable actors such as Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Katy O’Brian, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.
Director Edgar Wright has emphasized that his version of The Running Man will not be a remake of the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. In an interview with Den of Geek, Wright stated that the adaptation aims to be a faithful representation of King’s original work. He noted, “It was never going to be a scene-for-scene literal remake. It was always, in our heads, a new adaptation of the source material.”
Wright highlighted Powell’s suitability for the role of Ben Richards, describing him as “laidback and charismatic,” which aligns well with the character’s working-class background. He explained, “The important thing with Ben Richards is not that he isn’t tough. He’s an out-of-work construction worker… He’s capable, but he’s still not John Wick. He’s not a superhero. He’s a dad, and he’s kind of flying by the seat of his pants in the show.”
As the anticipation builds for both the Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot and The Running Man, Powell’s dual role as producer and actor showcases his versatility and commitment to impactful storytelling in the film industry.
