Glen Powell Reveals the ‘Fun Gift’ He’s Giving Arnold Schwarzenegger—And Why It Means So Much

Glen Powell’s upcoming role in the remake of The Running Man has become one of the most anticipated moments in Hollywood. Not only is Powell stepping into a major role in a dystopian thriller inspired by Stephen King’s 1982 novel, but he is also honoring a legend—Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the 1987 film adaptation. In recent interviews, Powell has shared details about a personal tribute to Schwarzenegger, expressing how much the legendary actor’s blessing means to him as he prepares for the remake.

The Remake of The Running Man and Powell’s Role

The original The Running Man (1987), which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead character, Ben Richards, became an iconic part of action movie history. In the original film, Richards, a convict, must evade professional killers in a deadly televised game show to win his freedom. The upcoming remake, slated for release on November 7, 2025, directed by Edgar Wright, promises to be more faithful to Stephen King’s source material.

Glen Powell, who has been making waves with his role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and is set to appear in Twisters (2024), takes on the lead role in the new adaptation. For Powell, this remake is not just a career milestone, but a chance to connect with a legacy defined by Schwarzenegger’s original portrayal. However, as Powell discussed in interviews, there is an element of deep personal respect and admiration at the heart of this project, stemming from his desire to pay tribute to Schwarzenegger.

A Heartfelt Tribute: Seeking Blessing and Giving a Gift

In an interview with People on April 3, 2025, Powell revealed a pivotal moment in his journey with The Running Man remake: seeking Schwarzenegger’s blessing. Through a FaceTime conversation, facilitated by Powell’s friendship with Schwarzenegger’s son, Patrick, Powell was able to connect with the icon himself. Powell shared, “Arnold gave us his blessing,” emphasizing the significance of receiving approval from the original star. This moment marked an important milestone for Powell, who clearly values the respect of the man who helped define the action genre for a generation.

The tribute did not stop at a simple blessing. Powell mentioned that he and the team had prepared a “very specific, fun gift” to give to Schwarzenegger in the near future, further underscoring the personal nature of this tribute. While the details of the gift remain a mystery, it is described as something directly tied to the movie’s production—likely a prop, costume, or an element of the film that pays homage to Schwarzenegger’s groundbreaking role. Powell expressed his excitement about this gesture, underscoring the emotional connection between the two actors.

Why Powell Treasures This Moment

Powell’s deep appreciation for this interaction can be traced to several key factors. First, his professional history with Schwarzenegger goes back to their time working together on The Expendables 3 in 2014, where they developed a mutual respect for each other. As Powell recalled, “I hadn’t seen Arnold since we shot Expendables in Bulgaria.” This indicates that the relationship goes beyond professional camaraderie, blossoming into a genuine friendship. The fact that Powell sought out Schwarzenegger’s blessing for such an iconic role suggests how much he values his contributions to the action genre.

In addition to their professional connection, Powell’s personal relationship with Patrick Schwarzenegger further adds depth to the tribute. With Patrick facilitating the FaceTime call, the interaction between Powell and Arnold was not just a professional gesture, but also a personal one, linking Powell to the Schwarzenegger family in a more meaningful way.

Powell’s desire to honor Schwarzenegger is also reflective of his respect for the legacy of the action genre. Schwarzenegger is synonymous with some of Hollywood’s most iconic roles, such as in The Terminator and Predator. Powell’s decision to honor this legacy, especially in the context of The Running Man remake, highlights his understanding of the historical weight that comes with stepping into such a role. This tribute is as much about respecting the past as it is about creating something new in the action genre.

The Timing and Significance

The timing of Powell’s tribute coincides with a key moment in the promotion of The Running Man remake. On April 3, 2025, Powell appeared at CinemaCon alongside director Edgar Wright and co-stars Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo, where the first footage of the film was unveiled. This promotional event marks the beginning of the public rollout for the remake, making Powell’s tribute to Schwarzenegger all the more significant. For Powell, this tribute serves as a way to connect to the rich history of action cinema while positioning himself as a rising star in the genre.

Conclusion

Glen Powell’s heartfelt tribute to Arnold Schwarzenegger reflects not only a deep personal admiration but also a profound respect for the action genre that Schwarzenegger helped define. Seeking Schwarzenegger’s blessing for The Running Man remake and planning a special gift for him showcases Powell’s gratitude and recognition of the actor’s legacy. As Powell continues to rise in Hollywood, his connection to Schwarzenegger’s legacy will undoubtedly be an essential part of his journey, reinforcing the bonds between past and present in the action genre. For Powell, this moment is more than a professional achievement; it’s a personal and emotional tribute to a man who shaped the very films he aspires to be a part of.