Tom Cruise's Prankster Nature: Glen Powell Recalls Helicopter 'Scare' and 'Film School' Debacle

Glen Powell, a rising Hollywood star and "Top Gun: Maverick" co-star, shares amusing anecdotes about Tom Cruise's pranking antics and unexpected film education sessions.

In the glamorous world of Hollywood, friendships and professional relationships often intertwine. For Glen Powell, his bond with iconic actor Tom Cruise extends beyond the silver screen, leading to countless memorable and sometimes bewildering experiences.

One such incident occurred during a trip back to London after filming reshoots for "Top Gun: Maverick." Powell and Cruise boarded Cruise's private helicopter, expecting a routine flight. However, as they soared over the bustling metropolis, Cruise suddenly exclaimed in mock panic: "Oh no, oh no!" and began abruptly maneuvering the helicopter.

"I was like, 'Am I about to be the unnamed guy that dies with Tom in a smoking hole in the middle of London?'" Powell recalled in a recent interview with GQ. To his relief, the helicopter eventually landed safely, leaving Powell with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

On another occasion, Cruise invited Powell to a screening of a "film school" movie he had compiled for his friends at a movie theater in Los Angeles. Powell arrived expecting a large audience, only to find himself as the sole attendee. For six hours, Powell sat alone while Cruise expounded upon his vast knowledge of filmmaking.

"He's like: 'Do we all agree that this is what a camera is?'" Powell recounted. "The funniest part was on flying. It was like he put together this entire flight school. So he would literally go 'OK, this is what a plane is. Here's how things fly. Here's how air pressure works.'"

Despite these playful and sometimes eccentric antics, Powell deeply values his friendship with Cruise. "The one thing I feel we're kindred spirits in is he's obsessed with movies," Powell told GQ. "That was our love language on set. I got to watch a guy who knew every department. He was able to clearly interface with everyone, and be so friendly and respectful and be able to communicate that vision."

Powell also acknowledges the profound impact "Top Gun: Maverick" has had on his career. Prior to the film's success, he struggled financially. "I'd never made any significant amount of money on a movie, including 'Top Gun,' and I was depleting a bank account to a point where my accountant was like, 'This pandemic cannot last much longer,'" Powell told The Hollywood Reporter.

However, Cruise's unwavering support and guidance helped Powell navigate the challenges. During a conversation with Kate Hudson for Variety, Powell revealed Cruise's advice on how to convincingly portray his character in the film.

"Tom gave me this advice: 'For the ending to work, you have to completely lean into that,'" Powell said. "Everybody else in the movie is questioning their own ability. You're the only guy that's not questioning it. So, if there's any sort of apology in anything you say, the movie doesn't work. Lean into the d-----baggery of it all."

Powell's experiences with Tom Cruise exemplify the multifaceted nature of Hollywood friendships, where pranks and unexpected lessons intertwine, fostering both amusement and professional growth.