Glen Powell has spent years becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, but politics remained one subject he preferred to leave untouched. The Top Gun: Maverick actor explained that he saw political discourse as increasingly divisive, even as other celebrities have reconsidered how openly they discuss their views.
Powell’s comments came after a busy stretch professionally that included the underwhelming theatrical performance of The Running Man and the release of his 2026 film How to Make a Killing.
Glen Powell explains why he avoids talking politics and believes the discourse divides people
Esquire reported that politics rarely entered the conversation at Powell’s childhood dinner table. His mother had worked in the Reagan administration, but current events still stayed mostly outside family meals. Powell looked back on that with one simple reaction: “Thank God.”
His own relationship with politics became even more distant as he grew older. “Over time,” Powell said, “I realized that politics divide people.” He also described arguments over political beliefs as “the worst version of a conversation” and said he disliked the discourse surrounding them.
Powell didn’t criticize people who chose to speak publicly about their beliefs. Instead, he acknowledged that political engagement simply wasn’t his lane. “I applaud people for jumping into those things and fighting for what they believe in,” he said. “If I were a political person, I would be talking about it. For me, my calling is elsewhere.”
That stance places Powell among several Hollywood figures who have spoken about the challenges of discussing politics publicly. Dwayne Johnson previously endorsed Joe Biden and later said political discussions had divided his fans.
Jennifer Lawrence also questioned whether celebrity political statements actually changed voters’ minds. She told The New York Times that speaking out could instead add “fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.”
Powell’s comments also came after a challenging period at the box office. The Running Man earned about $69 million worldwide against its reported $110 million production budget. Powell previously attributed some of the film’s marketing challenges to changes at Paramount.
His next film, How to Make a Killing, earned about $21.7 million worldwide against a reported $15 million production budget. Powell has also spoken about the need to slow down after a period of working at a rapid pace.
For now, though, his priorities remained clear. Powell wanted to make movies, protect his personal life, and leave political arguments to those who choose to engage in them.
