Glen Powell, fresh off leading roles in major movies like The Running Man remake, has shocked fans by committing to finish his college degree—balancing stardom, distance learning, and deeply held personal goals in a uniquely inspiring turn for a modern Hollywood A-lister.
Fans of classic film and modern blockbusters alike have a new reason to root for Glen Powell. While Powell’s career has soared over the past few years with high-profile roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and now the much-anticipated remake of The Running Man, the actor has set social media abuzz for an entirely different reason: he’s returning to college to complete his degree.
The Journey from College Dropout to Hollywood Star
Born in Texas, Powell’s Hollywood story begins well before his college years. He got his break starring in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003). From there, he appeared alongside Denzel Washington in the critically acclaimed The Great Debaters. Washington helped connect him to Hollywood agent Ed Limato, prompting Powell to move to Los Angeles for further film and television work, including appearances in The Dark Knight Rises, NCIS, and Scream Queens.
Originally enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin’s prestigious Radio-Television-Film program, Powell left after a year to pursue acting full-time. Throughout his twenties and thirties, he built a name as a versatile, charismatic performer, from rom-coms like Set It Up to the global hit Top Gun: Maverick and the cult-favorite Netflix action comedy Hit Man.
Hollywood Success and the Appeal of ‘The Running Man’
Powell’s star reached new heights with 2025’s The Running Man, a reimagining of the cult 1987 classic originally starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The pressure and scrutiny from the film’s dedicated fanbase were intense, as the original holds a beloved place in sci-fi and action movie history. Powell’s performance and the film’s respectful nods to the original have already sparked debate and fan theorizing online, especially about his take on the lead role—injecting modern vulnerability and wit while honoring Schwarzenegger’s legacy.
For more on Powell’s approach and the film’s tribute to the ’80s action icon, see this in-depth feature from Parade.
Why Finish College Now? Powell’s Personal Mission
While meeting promotional obligations for The Running Man, Powell made headlines by publicly reaffirming his commitment to higher education. During a Hollywood Reporter interview in May 2024, Powell shared his plan to move back to Austin to finish his undergraduate studies.
At the New York premiere, in a lighthearted moment with co-stars Josh Brolin and Lee Pace, Powell even invited them to his (future) graduation—a genuine and spontaneous gesture that set fans speculating about a star-studded commencement party in 2027.
The Reality of Balancing Stardom and Studies
Powell is clear about doing things “the right way.” He recently clarified on Variety’s TikTok that he is “finishing properly”—no honorary diplomas for this working actor. Instead, Powell is taking six credits per semester and estimates he’ll graduate in spring 2027. “I’m not going to be sitting in a class with other students on the regular,” he admitted to IndieWire, explaining that much of his coursework is delivered online, with proctored exams and participation via Zoom, even as he filmed abroad in London.
- Fan forums have praised Powell’s determination, with threads on Reddit and X highlighting his “genuine Texas grit” and “humility despite stardom.”
- His director on The Running Man, Edgar Wright, was reportedly flexible, allowing Powell to work on assignments around the film shoot—a rare case of Hollywood and higher ed working hand-in-hand.
- Powell’s comments about “finishing what you start” have inspired discussions on the importance of education in the entertainment industry.
Fan Theories, Graduation Parties & What Comes Next
The classic film fandom has jumped on the idea of a Glen Powell graduation party—jokingly speculating about a “Hollywood in Austin” event or a movie-themed bash reuniting fellow actors from his biggest hits. Will there be references to Top Gun or a throwback to his Spy Kids days? Neither Powell nor his management has hinted at such plans, but the feverish speculation underscores his popularity, and his connection to his roots.
More seriously, Powell’s return to college is seen by insiders as a reflection of a modern Hollywood that values “rounded” celebrities—those who seek meaning and self-improvement beyond the red carpet. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, the actor’s “romantic comedy heat and leading man energy” make his academic path all the more influential for the next generation.
The Historic Connection: Hollywood and Higher Education
Powell is not the first A-lister to return to college, but few have made the process so transparent—or done so at the peak of their fame. Past examples include Jodie Foster (Yale) and Brooke Shields (Princeton), both of whom received degrees mid-career and addressed the challenges of transitioning between academia and filmmaking. Powell joins their ranks as a 21st-century success story that blends relentless ambition with grounded, personal goals.
Why Glen Powell’s Decision Resonates with the Classic Film Community
Ultimately, Glen Powell’s story is more than a sidebar during award season. It’s a testament to the enduring value of education, the flexibility of the modern entertainment industry, and the way today’s stars connect directly with their community. Powell’s willingness to share both his triumphs and his unfinished business—with humility and good humor—has made him a favorite not just on screen, but in the hearts of film fans worldwide.
For detailed interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes analysis, see the original coverage in The Hollywood Reporter and IndieWire.
If you’re part of the fan community waiting to see what comes next from Glen Powell—whether in a classroom, in Austin, or on the silver screen—one thing is clear: this is a story about balance, ambition, and authenticity worth following every step of the way.
