Glen Powell's Deep Connection to Aviation Beyond 'Top Gun' and 'Blue Angels' Revealed (Exclusive)
Discover how Glen Powell, featured in 'The Blue Angels' documentary, reminisces about his lifelong involvement with aviation, shared exclusively with Us Weekly. From early family experiences to his current role, delve into his profound aviation journey.
Glen Powell Gushes Over The Blue Angels
Glen Powell Rick Kern/Getty Images for Netflix
For Glen Powell, being involved in The Blue Angels documentary following his role in the hit movie Top Gun: Maverick was a special moment that felt like coming full circle.
As he reminisced exclusively with We, the 35-year-old actor shared how as a child, he would watch air shows with his grandfather, mother, aunts, and cousins. The shared experience of looking up at the sky with awe united people of all ages.
Powell praised the pilots as true heroes for their outstanding representation of the Navy and the United States. After their performances, the pilots graciously took photos and signed autographs for fans on the ground.
He expressed his admiration for the Blue Angels shows, noting that it is truly awe-inspiring to witness their incredible skills in action. Watching a Blue Angels show leaves one amazed at the seemingly impossible feats they achieve.
Powell shared that The Blue Angels, known as the elite naval flight demonstration squadron, serve as a starting point for many aviation enthusiasts. Powell's personal connection to the squadron is evident - he had a poster of them in his bedroom until he went off to college.
He expressed, “I found them to be incredibly inspiring and motivational. Having their poster on my bedroom wall while growing up was special to me. Being part of Top Gun, Devotion, and flying with the Blues has truly enriched my life and strengthened my bond with the aviation community.”
Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion as fictional pilots, recently delved into producing nonfiction. He collaborated with J.J. Abrams and others to create The Blue Angels, a new IMAX documentary. The film captures the Navy and Marine Corps flight squadron's training over a year, featuring exclusive footage for IMAX. The documentary premiered exclusively on Friday, May 17.
Glen Powell Gushes Over The Blue Angels
Powell expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the heroes of the Blue Angels on Prime Video. He emphasized the camaraderie and teamwork of the Blue Angels, highlighting the exceptional level of trust among the team members.
Powell recently starred in the hit movie Anyone But You and also got the opportunity to fly in a Blue Angels show. He flew in the No. 4 plane, which he described as a "really crazy dynamic position." After the show, Powell thought everything went perfectly, but when he landed, there was still work to be done.
The Blue Angels team reviewed the footage of the show, pointing out mistakes and areas for improvement. This experience reminded Powell of being part of a great sports team - always striving for perfection and never being truly finished. He admired the humility of these talented athletes.
He mentioned that the individuals in the documentary are constantly pushing themselves to their limits and are always striving for improvement, never settling for the current state.
He explained that their drive to be better is crucial for maintaining safety and avoiding complacency. This dedication to constant improvement is a key aspect that sets this documentary apart, providing a unique insight into the human element of their experience in the plane.
The Blue Angels is exclusively in IMAX theaters through May 22 and will start streaming Thursday, May 23, on Prime Video.
With reporting by Andrea Simpson
Editor's P/S:
Glen Powell's passion for aviation and his admiration for the Blue Angels shine through in this article. His personal connection to the squadron, from childhood to adulthood, adds a unique perspective to the documentary he helped create. Powell's involvement in aviation-themed films has deepened his bond with the aviation community and allowed him to witness the incredible skills and dedication of the Blue Angels firsthand.
The emphasis on the Blue Angels' teamwork, camaraderie, and relentless pursuit of perfection is particularly inspiring. The team's ability to acknowledge and learn from mistakes, coupled with their unwavering commitment to safety and excellence, sets them apart as true heroes. The documentary not only showcases the awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers but also highlights the human element behind the scenes, making it a compelling and informative experience for audiences of all ages.
