Thescreescore – Glen Powell, currently riding a wave of unprecedented career momentum, has finally offered a definitive statement regarding the persistent rumors of his involvement in a remake of Ron Howard’s iconic 1991 firefighter thriller, Backdraft. After years of fervent speculation, the actor, known for his charismatic performances in blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and the recent romantic comedy Anyone But You, has unequivocally clarified his position, confirming an upcoming collaboration with Howard but firmly distancing it from the beloved Kurt Russell vehicle.
Powell’s meteoric ascent in Hollywood has placed him squarely in the spotlight, making him a sought-after talent for a diverse range of projects. His recent successes, including the critically acclaimed Netflix hit Hit Man and the highly anticipated Twisters, have solidified his status as a leading man. It was around the time of Twisters’ July 2024 release that initial reports surfaced, fueled by producer Brian Grazer’s comments, suggesting Powell was slated to star in a "new Backdraft." This sparked immediate interest and considerable debate among cinephiles, eager to see how a modern take on the fiery classic might unfold.
However, in a recent profile featured in Esquire, Powell addressed the lingering questions head-on. While he enthusiastically confirmed his attachment to an untitled firefighter film directed by Ron Howard, he was quick to dispel any notions of it being a Backdraft reimagining. "It’s not," Powell stated emphatically. "It has no connection to that movie. It just happens to have fire involved. Who hates a firefighter?" This clarification aligns with his earlier remarks from August 2024, where he described the supposed remake as "not really a thing," despite acknowledging the rich potential for storytelling within the world of firefighters.
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Powell’s excitement for the project stems partly from the prospect of filming fire with practical effects, an approach he likened to the authentic aerial sequences that defined Top Gun: Maverick. The upcoming film, penned by acclaimed screenwriter Christina Hodson (known for Bumblebee and Birds of Prey), is reported to center on "two estranged childhood friends, now top firefighters," who are compelled to reunite and confront devastating wildfires sweeping across Texas. This original narrative promises a fresh perspective on the heroism and challenges faced by those on the front lines of such natural disasters.
Beyond the blaze, Powell’s schedule remains packed with an array of intriguing ventures. He is set to star in Judd Apatow’s comedy The Comeback King, slated for a February 5, 2027 release, and J.J. Abrams’ science fantasy epic The Great Beyond, arriving October 1, 2027. Furthermore, Powell is reportedly attached to a Lou Gehrig biopic, which will see him reunite with director Richard Linklater, a collaboration that previously yielded Everybody Wants Some!! and Hit Man. He is also linked to Moonlight writer-director Barry Jenkins’ next feature, The Natural Order.
For fans of the original Backdraft, Powell’s latest comments firmly close the chapter on any remake aspirations involving him. Instead, audiences can anticipate a compelling, standalone firefighter drama that, under Ron Howard’s seasoned direction and Powell’s burgeoning star power, is poised to ignite its own unique cinematic legacy, separate from its esteemed predecessor.
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