Glen Powell has undeniably conquered Hollywood with his iconic roles in films such as Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters. Still, he had a humble beginning that many fans are probably unaware of. Before he became the nation’s newest heartthrob, he used to be a contestant in a teen reality show.
Fans may simply have forgotten that this Texas native starred in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, or perhaps they didn’t catch that one scene with him because he played a random stockbroker who got his head smashed by Bane. This was way back in 2012.
Glen Powell Joined A Reality Show That Immediately Got Him Kicked Out
In 2003, actor Glen Powell joined the second season of Endurance, a reality television show somewhat similar to Survivor but with a teenage cast. The players will live in a remote location and participate in various physical and mental challenges. The show aired from 2002 until 2008.
He was only 13 when he joined the game, and according to the star, his first foray into the action scene wasn’t very successful. Powell only appeared in one episode and he got kicked out right after. In a clip from Endurance, the young star confessed:
I felt like I could do it for a long time, but my balance didn’t think so. When I realized I was going home, it was the worst feeling, you know. Everything just kind of kicked in, and just felt terrible, just a bad, bad feeling.
Well, everyone has got to start somewhere, and even though Powell rarely talks about this part of his career – as he didn’t get too far in the competition – it was still a good attempt at showing his potential physical skills.
Now, he’s one of the rising action stars of this generation, and he has worked with legends in the industry, such as Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick and Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables 3. He’s got no more problems balancing himself or holding on to monkey bars as he finally has the strength and stamina for it.
Glen Powell is Hollywood’s New A-List Actor
Glen Powell’s success wasn’t an overnight journey. His stint in Endurance, as well as his first movie role in 2003’s Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, is a testament to his steadfast will to become a movie star. He’s also proven that one doesn’t need to become a superhero to be a global icon.
The 35-year-old star isn’t afraid to experiment and go down the path that most actors these days fear to tread. For instance, his work on the romantic comedy film Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney was not only a surprising success but also revived the long-forgotten genre.
Powell continues to expand his portfolio with diverse projects that utilize his talent, physique, and charisma, and he knows exactly what works for him and what doesn’t.
Endurance is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
