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Glen Powell isn’t pumping the brakes on his Hollywood momentum despite recent box office disappointments. The Top Gun: Maverick star is stacking back-to-back projects throughout 2026, combining acting roles with producing ventures through his Barnstorm banner. This aggressive playbook signals Powell’s determination to bounce back and cement his status as a leading man.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Currently in Theaters: How to Make a Killing with Margaret Qualley, released February 20, 2026 by A24
- Next Major Role: The Great Beyond arrives November 13, 2026, directed by J.J. Abrams
- Production Company: Launching 5 projects through Barnstorm, including crocodile thriller The Death Roll
- Career Strategy: Producing original content to diversify beyond acting after The Running Man underperformed
How Powell’s Recent Box Office Struggles Led to Bold Strategic Shift
Glen Powell‘s November 2025 release The Running Man grossed just $69.3 million globally, followed by mixed reception on How to Make a Killing in February. Rather than retreat, Powell doubled down on ambitious projects. The Top Gun star recognized the value of controlling his creative output through Barnstorm, his production company co-founded with Dan Cohen. This pivot demonstrates maturity in an industry where lead actors must adapt.
Powell’s strategy mirrors how successful actors build longevity: produce their own content, choose diverse roles, and maintain theatrical presence. His commitment to back-to-back releases shows he’s unwilling to disappear during a rough patch.
Glen Powell won’t pump the brakes, pushing back-to-back movies in 2026
Mandalorian and Grogu won’t get grand premiere, May release locked
Two Major Acting Roles Anchor 2026 Release Schedule
How to Make a Killing showcases Powell in a darker, more complex role opposite Margaret Qualley. The A24 dark comedy explores deception and ambition, stripping away his typical heroic image. Reviews praise the pairing’s chemistry, with Qualley playing a potential love interest who isn’t what she seems. This film gives Powell an opportunity to prove his range beyond action blockbusters.
His bigger bet arrives in November with The Great Beyond, J.J. Abrams‘ first directorial feature since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The sci-fi mystery stars Powell alongside Jenna Ortega, Samuel L. Jackson, and Emma Mackey. Plot details remain scarce, but the ensemble cast and Abrams‘ involvement suggest substantial budget and awards potential. Releasing in November positions it firmly in awards season and holiday box office competition.
| Film | Release Date | Studio | Role Type |
| How to Make a Killing | February 20, 2026 | A24 | Lead Actor |
| The Great Beyond | November 13, 2026 | Warner Bros. | Ensemble Lead |
| Chad Powers S2 | Late 2026 | Peacock | Creator, Star |
“Glen Powell’s rise in Hollywood is unstoppable, with exciting projects like Top Gun: Maverick and Hit Man showcasing his talent and versatility.”
— IMDb Entertainment, Industry Analysis
Barnstorm Production Company Expands Powell’s Hollywood Power
Beyond acting, Powell is building an empire through Barnstorm, his production company with Dan Cohen. Just this March 17, they secured The Death Roll, an original survival horror-thriller about a vacation nightmare triggered by a 15-foot saltwater crocodile. Lionsgate acquired the spec script, signaling major studio confidence in their content pipeline. The company is also developing a Texas Chainsaw Massacre film and TV series with A24, plus an untitled country music comedy with Judd Apatow for 2027 release.
Barnstorm recently wrapped Chad Powers Season 2, further establishing Powell’s footprint in streaming television. This diversified approach keeps him visible and in control of his narrative during lean theatrical box office periods. Many A-list actors learned this lesson after franchise dependency left them vulnerable to franchise flops.
Can Powell Recover His Box Office Momentum, or Will He Pivot Permanently to Prestige and Producing?
The real question surrounding Glen Powell isn’t whether he’ll survive 2026, but what vision he’s building. The Great Beyond with J.J. Abrams represents event cinema, while How to Make a Killing represents prestige indie credibility. Meanwhile, Barnstorm positions him as a power player controlling content creation. This three-pronged strategy suggests Powell isn’t just rebounding from box office disappointment—he’s transforming his entire career architecture. Whether audiences embrace The Great Beyond will determine if his theatrical gamble pays off, but either way, he’s already won the long game through production and diversification.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – J.J. Abrams’ Glen Powell film and theatrical release confirmations
- Deadline – Barnstorm production deals, The Death Roll exclusive details, casting announcements
- A24 Films – How to Make a Killing cast, release, and distribution information
