LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor Glen Powell, 37, recently opened up about an unexpected wardrobe malfunction while filming a stunt for his upcoming action film The Running Man. During an appearance on Entertainment Tonight’s “Spilling the E-Tea,” Powell humorously recalled how a daring rappel scene turned into a moment of embarrassment on set.
What Happened
Powell described the moment in vivid detail, explaining that his character had to rappel down the side of a building while wearing only a towel. Beneath the towel, he wore what he jokingly called “a marble sack” — a small pouch meant to preserve modesty.
“So I’m wearing a pouch under, and then I’m wearing a towel around it,” Powell said. “But then you’re rappelling down a building. And, you know, when you’re going down the building and you see a window, you don’t realize there’s people in there, like, lighting and doing electric.”
His co-star Josh Brolin playfully pointed out that the crew behind the windows got quite the unexpected view. Powell laughed, saying the incident was both funny and mortifying.
Behind the Scene: The Running Man
In The Running Man, Powell stars as a desperate father who joins a deadly reality competition to win money for his sick daughter’s treatment. Contestants must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins — a high-stakes premise inspired by the classic sci-fi story.
Powell told Entertainment Weekly he initially found the towel scene hilarious when it was pitched but later “regretted agreeing to it” due to freezing weather conditions during filming.
“We shot that scene in February in Bulgaria on a rooftop,” he said. “Being in a towel in front of a crew is one thing, but being in a towel in frigid Bulgaria — it’s a sight.”
Glen Powell’s Career and Rise to Fame
Powell gained international recognition after starring alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (2022). The following year, he headlined two major projects — Hit Man and Anyone But You — with the former earning him a Golden Globe nomination.
His chemistry with Anyone But You co-star Sydney Sweeney sparked intense media speculation about their off-screen relationship. Sweeney later clarified to Variety that the rumors were entirely fabricated by tabloids, saying, “The press did it themselves. There was no leaning in, per se.”
Public and Fan Reactions
Fans have praised Powell’s sense of humor and authenticity, calling his behind-the-scenes story “refreshingly real.” Social media buzzed with laughter as fans shared clips of his interview, with comments like “This is why Glen Powell is the most relatable star in Hollywood.”
Powell, who has built a reputation for his charm and humility, took the teasing in stride. “It’s all part of the job,” he joked, “but next time, maybe I’ll wear two towels.”
Release Date and What’s Next
The Running Man — directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Feig — is set to hit theaters Friday, November 7, 2025. The film promises a mix of action, dark humor, and emotional depth — and, apparently, one unforgettable towel scene.
Powell continues to balance blockbuster roles with grounded comedic performances, solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
