Glen Powell, known for his role as Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin in the blockbuster film ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ recently shared his financial struggles leading up to the movie’s release. Powell revealed that despite his involvement in the highly anticipated film, he was on the brink of financial depletion.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Powell had not experienced significant financial success from his acting career, including his role in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ The delay in the film’s release due to the pandemic added to Powell’s financial strain, forcing him to exhaust his savings while waiting for the movie to debut.

Tom Cruise, who reprised his iconic role as Maverick in the sequel, ensured that ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ had a theatrical release rather than opting for a streaming debut. Cruise emphasized his commitment to the big screen experience, a decision that ultimately paid off when the film became a box office hit upon its release in May 2022.

In his role as a pilot being trained by Cruise’s character, Capt. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, Powell received valuable advice from the veteran actor. Cruise encouraged Powell to embrace the character’s complexity and not shy away from portraying the ‘d—–baggery’ required for the role.

Reflecting on Cruise’s guidance, Powell acknowledged the importance of fully embodying his character, especially in a high-profile film like ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ He highlighted the challenge of balancing likability with authenticity on screen, emphasizing the need to commit fully to the character’s arc for the film’s resolution to resonate with audiences.

Despite the financial strain and uncertainties leading up to the film’s release, Powell’s performance alongside Cruise in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ contributed to the film’s immense success. The actor’s dedication to his role and the valuable advice from Cruise underscored the collaborative effort that brought the sequel to fruition, captivating audiences worldwide.