Hollywood’s rising star Glen Powell, a native of Texas, explained to Esquire why he refuses to engage in partisan debates. The “Top Gun: Maverick” lead says politics has become a divisive force that turns conversation into a contest of points, rather than a healthy exchange.
Choosing family and film over partisan discourse
“Over time, I realized that politics divide people,” Powell said. “People trying to prove their point – for me, it’s the worst version of a conversation. I genuinely do not like the discourse. It’s not as healthy as it once was.” He added that if he were a political person, he would be speaking out, but his calling lies elsewhere.
Powell’s reluctance to wade into politics is rooted in his upbringing. Although his mother worked for the Reagan administration at the U.S. Treasury Department, family meals rarely turned to current events. “Politics and current events weren’t regular topics around the dinner table,” he recalled.
Movies as a universal language
The actor believes action films can bridge the cultural gap that politics has widened. “There’s a universal language of action, which is also why those movies translate so well internationally,” he said, citing the appeal of stories like “Running Man” that explore loyalty and the feeling of powerlessness in an unequal world.
He stressed that movies are his way of expressing ideas and connecting with audiences, not political commentary. “Movies are a conversation; politics always felt to me like two people trying to prove a point,” Powell explained.
Career highlights and future projects
Powell’s rise to fame was not instantaneous. He spent a decade auditioning, once being told he would be lucky to “play a dead body” on CSI. He later reflected that acting is not a meritocracy and that many forces shape a career.
In 2026 he starred alongside Margaret Qualley in the dark comedy thriller How to Make a Killing and voiced Fox McCloud in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Looking ahead, he is set to appear in Judd Apatow’s comedy The Comeback King and J.J. Abrams’ sci‑fi adventure The Great Beyond, both slated for 2027.
Personal life grounded in family values
Outside of work, Powell is in a relationship with “Landman” star Michelle Randolph. He says they share common values, especially a love for family. “She loves her family. I love my family. And we both care about work a lot. We both like to show up for our partners,” he told Esquire. He added that having a partner who understands Hollywood’s pressures is important, but the deeper connection comes from supporting each other’s souls.
Powell’s stance reflects a broader desire among some entertainers to focus on unifying content rather than partisan battles, a perspective that resonates with many faith‑ and family‑oriented viewers across Texas and the nation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
