DEADLINE – Here’s an exciting pairing: Rising star Glen Powell (Twisters) is teaming with filmmaker Judd Apatow (Trainwreck) on an untitled original comedy for Universal.

In a move reminiscent of his work alongside Richard Linklater on Netflix’s Hit Man, Powell is writing the script with Apatow, continuing to cement his reputation as the rare A-list star with this kind of skill set. The project, about a country western star in free fall, is being fast-tracked at Uni, with Powell set to star and Apatow directing.

Apatow will also produce through his Apatow Productions, which has a longstanding overall deal with the studio, dating back to his 2005 directorial debut, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. His tenure there has also spanned films including Knocked Up, Funny People, This Is 40, Trainwreck and The King of Staten Island.

Powell and Dan Cohen will also produce through their company Barnstorm’s newly minted first-look deal with the studio, along with Kevin Misher through Misher Films, another producer with an expansive history at Universal. Senior Executive Vice President of Production Development Erik Baiers will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.

The Apatow comedy will mark Powell’s second project with the studio after Twisters, which overperformed last summer with the biggest domestic opening ever for a natural disaster film, grossing over $372 million in total. Upcoming, Barnstorm is also set to produce The Natural Order for the studio, with Powell starring and Barry Jenkins directing, as we were recently first to report.

Powell has a lot on his plate right now, between Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, out November 7, and a slate of upcoming projects including an untitled feature from J.J. Abrams, Hulu comedy Chad Powers, and A24/StudioCanal’s Huntington, among others. He is repped by CAA and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

A three-time Emmy-winning comedy icon, Apatow’s feature efforts include the Pete Davidson vehicle The King of Staten Island for Universal, Netflix’s The Bubble and the documentary Bob and Don: A Love Story on the lifelong friendship between Bob Newhart and Don Rickles. He is repped by WME, Mosaic, and Ziffren Brittenham.

Glen stopped by TODAY with Jenna and Friends to talk about The Running Man, Texas football, and Val Kilmer.

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER – The thriller feature is based on an unpublished manuscript from author Matthew Aldrich.
Glen Powell appears to be a natural fit for Barry Jenkins‘ new film.

Universal has landed the pitch for the feature The Natural Order, based on author Matthew Aldrich’s unpublished manuscript. Powell is set to star in the movie that has Jenkins in talks to direct, with Jenkins and Aldrich (Coco) attached to write the script.

The Natural Order is a sci-fi thriller centering on the search for eternal life.

This marks the first project for Powell and producing partner Dan Cohen’s banner Barnstorm through the first-look deal with Universal that began last month. In addition to Powell and Cohen, producers on The Natural Order include Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak for Pastel, along with Jewerl Keats Ross.

Jenkins’ most recent film was Disney’s prequel movie Mufasa: The Lion King, which hit theaters late last year and has surpassed $700 million at the global box office. He won an Oscar for his script for the 2016 drama Moonlight.

Powell has become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors following the success of such films as last summer’s Universal sequel Twisters. Among his forthcoming projects is a starring role in Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man, which Paramount is set to release in theaters in November.

Universal senior executive vp of production development Erik Baiers will oversee The Natural Order for the studio.

Powell is represented by CAA and Johnson Shapiro. Jenkins and Aldrich are repped by CAA, manager Ross and lawyer Jamie Feldman.

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.”

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.