INDIEWIRE – Universal is the studio behind “Twister” and its 2024 sequel “Twisters.”
Glen Powell’s schedule isn’t about to slow down. The actor and his production company, Barnstorm, have signed a first-look deal with Universal Pictures, the studio behind “Twister” (1996) and its Powell-starring sequel “Twisters” (2024).

“Barnstorm has been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” Powell said in a statement. “I want our company to be a destination for world class theatrical entertainment. Throughout the process of making ‘Twisters,’ I was so impressed with the leadership of Universal and the vision and ambition of their team across so many departments. We are so honored to call them home.”

“Glen is the complete package: a talented, charismatic producer, creator, writer, and actor at the top of his game, who is committed to entertaining global audiences across all genres,” Universal Pictures President Peter Cramer said. “He was an ideal partner throughout the production and release of our hit ‘Twisters,’ and we know that he will continue to expand on his success in the years to come. We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with him, Dan, and the Barnstorm team to create compelling new stories for the big screen.”

Barnstorm produced “The Blue Angels,” “Hitman,” and the upcoming Hulu series “Chad Powers.”

Along with the news of the deal, Barnstorm announced Tuesday that Dan Cohen has joined the company as a partner.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the nearly 15 years I’ve spent at 21 Laps with Shawn Levy, Dan Levine & the 21 Laps entire team for everything we’ve made together and I wasn’t looking to leave,” Cohen said. “Glen is somebody I’ve admired for a long time and who’s earned every ounce of his success. Partnering with him at Barnstorm is an extraordinary opportunity. We share a passion for pushing creative boundaries, amplifying fresh voices, and telling bold, impactful stories that connect with audiences around the world. People often talk about doing ‘One for me… and one for them.’ But in looking forward to building Barnstorm, the philosophy is “All for me. And all for them.”

“Twisters,” released in July, earned $370 million at the global box office; the original almost made $500 million, and that’s not considering inflation.

Powell first broke out as the new Iceman (of sorts) opposite Tom Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick.” He has since starred in every single movie made (that’s only a bit of hyperbole), and has written and produced more of them than you might think. He’s currently filming Edgar Wright’s remake of “The Running Man” for Paramount, and he’ll also be seen in John Patton Ford’s “Huntington” and John Lee Hancock’s “Monsanto.”

Over 100 photos from the red carpet and inside from the Golden Globes on Sunday have been added into the photo gallery. A portrait has also been added!

Events > 2025 > Jan 5 | 82nd Annual Golden Globes
Photoshoots > Portraits > Session 022

DEADLINE – Paramount is moving up The Running Man out of the Nov. 21, 2025 corridor which is where it was up against Wicked: For Good, to Nov. 7, 2025.

Paramount will also have access to Imax screens which is a big plus.

This leaves a spot open for a male-skewing film.

They also set a release date for the Dave Franco and McKenna Grace movie Regretting You for Oct. 24, 2025. What’s the big deal here? It’s a Colleen Hoover feature adaptation, people.

In addition, Paramount has a hold on Jan. 15, 2027 for an untitled tentpole in Imax.

The studio is also pulling Vicious off the calendar, its previous date being Feb. 28, 2025. That’s the Bryan Bertino directed and written horror film starring Dakota Fanning. The studio is looking to find a better date for the film.

This weekend, Paramount has another No. 1 opening title in Sonic The Hedgehog 3 which is looking at a franchise best domestic start of $72M+. That makes it five No. 1 openings for Paramount this year.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED – Actor Glen Powell reflects on Denzel Washington’s wisdom, the enduring impact of films like Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion, and the power of storytelling to inspire audiences and shape culture.

Glen Powell: The Year of a Lifetime

Glen Powell is a man on fire. Between his breakout role as Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick—a film that reignited the magic of blockbuster cinema—and his moving portrayal of Tom Hudner in Devotion, Powell has cemented himself as a leading man with a purpose. But if you ask him about his success, he’ll credit more than his undeniable talent; he’ll talk about the lessons he’s learned from legends like Tom Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, and, most notably, Denzel Washington.

In a recent Everyday Warrior Podcast interview, Powell shared the piece of advice from Washington that transformed his approach to both his career and his life: “Don’t look in the other lanes. You’re running your own race.” It’s a simple but profound philosophy that Powell carries with him to this day, guiding his decisions and keeping him grounded in an industry known for its chaos.

Top Gun: Maverick—Cinema at Its Best

For Powell, Top Gun: Maverick wasn’t just a sequel but a cultural moment. “That movie,” Powell says, “is unapologetically American. It brought people together post-pandemic in a way that felt like a celebration—not just of aviation or the Navy, but of cinema itself.”

Powell credits Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer with creating a film that’s not only visually stunning but emotionally resonant. From its jaw-dropping aerial stunts shot on actual Navy aircraft carriers to its ability to make audiences cry and cheer in equal measure, Top Gun: Maverick redefined the theatrical experience. Powell doesn’t shy away from calling it “a return to American cinematic exceptionalism.”

Devotion: A Story That Needed to Be Told

While Top Gun brought audiences into the cockpit of modern aviation, Devotion delves into a lesser-known but equally heroic story from the Korean War. Powell portrays Medal of Honor recipient Tom Hudner, whose selfless act to save his friend and wingman Jesse Brown, the first African American naval aviator, epitomizes courage and devotion.

Powell’s personal connection to the film runs deep. “My grandfather was a Korean War veteran,” he shares. “This story felt like a chance to honor him and so many others who served in a war often overlooked.” The project, which Powell developed for five years, highlights his commitment to creating films that blend spectacle with substance.

Denzel’s Timeless Wisdom

Amidst the whirlwind of his career, Powell’s approach remains rooted in the advice Denzel Washington gave him on the set of The Great Debaters: “Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s not a zero-sum game.” Powell explains, “Denzel told me it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Success isn’t about beating the person in the next lane; it’s about running your best race.”

This perspective has not only kept Powell humble but has also allowed him to celebrate the success of others. “When someone else wins, it doesn’t mean you lose,” he emphasizes, rejecting the cutthroat mentality that pervades Hollywood.

The Legacy Powell Aims to Leave

Whether he’s high-fiving strangers after a Top Gun screening or talking to veterans moved by Devotion, Powell’s mission is clear: to tell stories that matter. “Movies,” he says, “are about collective experiences. They’re a chance to inspire, to remind us of the best parts of ourselves.”

With recent projects like Twister, The Blue Angels, Hitman, and Anyone but You, Powell’s career is only gaining momentum. Powell isn’t just running his own race—he’s redefining what it means to win.