Movie stars Kate Hudson and Glen Powell interviewed one another Tuesday on Variety’s “Actors on Actors,” and Powell revealed some very unique advice he received from his “Top Gun: Maverick” colleague, Tom Cruise.
The actors and apparent drinking buddies engaged in casual conversation about their friendship and the most interesting aspects of their careers. Powell spoke about Cruise’s incredible passion for aviation and his work ethic while on set. He then shared some words of wisdom Cruise once gave him — but it probably wasn’t what most people expected to hear.
In preparation for his big role in “Top Gun: Maverick,” the legendary actor’s advice to Powell was, “Lean into the douchebaggery of it all.”
Cruise’s pep talk was far from ordinary. “For the ending to work, you have to completely lean into that,” Cruise apparently told Powell. “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 douchebaggery of it all.” (RELATED: This Dare-Devil Stunt By Tom Cruise Will Make Your Heart Skip A Beat)
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“Sometimes you can fall into the trap of wanting to be liked on camera,” Powell expressed to Hudson. “And in a movie like [“Top Gun: Maverick”], where you know there’s going to be a lot of eyes on it, you don’t want to be Draco Malfoy.”
Hudson seemed surprised by the revelation, while Powell suggested the advice was relevant to his career as an actor.
“I keep getting cast as a douchebag. Even the thing I did with Ollie in ‘Scream Queens,’ where I’m a super douche,” Powell said.
“That’s right. I feel like everybody’s getting to know now that we’ve spent many times drinking together — with family,” Hudson quipped, segueing the pair into their next topic of conversation.
Cruise didn’t just give Powell career advice: he also paid for Powell’s flying classes in hopes the younger actor would get his pilot’s license, according to Variety.