Glen Powell Reveals Exclusive Moments with Tom Cruise—Including Private ‘Film School’ Sessions

Glen Powell’s relationship with Hollywood icon Tom Cruise has been a subject of intrigue for fans and industry insiders alike, especially after their collaborative work on Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. Powell, who played the cocky yet charismatic Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin, has spoken warmly about the bond he shares with Cruise, describing it as not only a mentorship but also a genuine friendship.

The Beginning of a Strong Bond

Their friendship traces back to the production of Top Gun: Maverick, where Cruise reprised his legendary role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and Powell joined the ranks of the new generation of aviators in the film. In an interview with E! Online on July 12, 2024, Powell referred to his relationship with Cruise as “the best,” emphasizing that it was not just professional but deeply personal. He noted that the experience of working together on the film was transformative, calling it “life-changing” and a “special part” of his life.

Professional Guidance and Influence

Cruise’s mentorship has had a profound effect on Powell’s career, especially in how he approaches big-budget filmmaking. Powell himself acknowledged the significant impact of Cruise’s guidance during the making of Top Gun: Maverick, which he later applied to his work on the 2024 film Twisters. Reflecting on this, Powell said, “It really taught me a lot about how to make a big event movie, and so many of those lessons on Top Gun were put into Twisters and it really benefitted.” In a deeper dive into their professional dynamic, Powell explained in an interview with British GQ on May 28, 2024, that Cruise’s ability to communicate his vision and collaborate with different departments was a skill Powell admired. The two share a passion for filmmaking, which Powell described as their “love language.”

Personal Generosity and Support

Beyond the world of cinema, Cruise has shown Powell immense personal kindness. One particularly memorable moment came in 2020 when Cruise gifted Powell flying lessons as a Christmas present, a gesture that led Powell to earn his pilot’s license. Powell fondly recalls the experience, posting on social media, “Try not falling in love with aviation after living out every pilot’s dream while shooting @topgunmovie.” It wasn’t just flying that Cruise introduced Powell to—he also gifted him stunt driving lessons as a way of celebrating Powell’s new pilot’s license. Powell shared the joy of this gift, explaining that the note Cruise sent with the certificate said, “Welcome to the skies,” further highlighting the generosity Cruise extends beyond the screen.

A Unique Friendship

The friendship between Powell and Cruise extends to a series of personal anecdotes that reflect the unique nature of their relationship. In the British GQ interview, Powell recalled a helicopter ride with Cruise, who piloted the aircraft from Pinewood Studios to London. In true Maverick fashion, Cruise jokingly pretended the helicopter was going down, causing Powell a brief moment of alarm. Powell also shared that Cruise invited him to a private “film school” viewing in an empty Los Angeles cinema. For six hours, Cruise screened a personal compilation of filmmaking techniques, a rare and exclusive look into the mind of one of Hollywood’s most famous directors and actors. “He said, ‘This is just for my friends,'” Powell recalled, underscoring the trust and camaraderie between them.

Public Fascination with Their Friendship

The public’s fascination with Powell and Cruise’s dynamic has only grown since their collaboration. Social media has been abuzz with comments highlighting Cruise’s mentorship, including posts from users like @tweetyenergy and @accesshollywood, who shared stories of Cruise’s support, including lessons in flying and stunt driving. Powell himself has “peeled back the curtain” on his relationship with Cruise, offering fans a rare glimpse into the mentor-mentee bond that has become an enduring subject of public interest.

The public perception of their friendship was further solidified when one X post referred to Powell as “ordained by movie church” due to the mentorship he received from Cruise, emphasizing the influence and respect Cruise commands in Hollywood. It’s clear that the friendship between the two extends beyond professional collaboration, as Cruise’s guidance and support have helped Powell grow both as an actor and as an individual.

Conclusion

As their careers continue to intersect, Glen Powell’s friendship with Tom Cruise stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and genuine camaraderie in Hollywood. Cruise’s influence on Powell’s career, both professionally and personally, is undeniable, and their bond—built on trust, generosity, and mutual respect—has captured the hearts of fans and fellow filmmakers alike. The mentorship, however, is far from over, and as Powell continues to forge his own path, it’s clear that Tom Cruise’s impact will remain a guiding force in his life and career.