Denzel Washington took it upon himself to have his former co-star, Glen Powell, be in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick.

Tom Cruise once again proved that age is just a number following the success of his 2022 flick Top Gun 2 a.k.a. Top Gun: Maverick. Apart from Cruise, Glen Powell’s performance as Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin received immense appreciation from the audience.

Glen Powell as Hangman in Top Gun 2

However, Powell was initially uninterested in joining the movie despite the presence of the ever-so-famous Tom Cruise in the film. It took some convincing from none other than the legendary actor Denzel Washington for Glen Powell to accept a role in the 2022 film.

Denzel Washington’s Sage Advice That Convinced Glen Powell to Join Top Gun 2

Glen Powell has appeared in more than 50 movies in his acting career. But if it weren’t for Denzel Washington’s 2007 flick, The Great Debaters, Powell would never have become the actor that he is today.

Unsurprisingly, upon a persuasion from Washington, Powell accepted the role of Jake Seresin in Top Gun: Maverick, as revealed by the actor in an interview with EW.

Denzel was the guy that said, ‘Hey, I think you should really give this a shot.’

Washington’s advice did wonders for Powell as he became a part of the movie that grossed more than $1.4 billion worldwide. Moreover, Powell’s role made him a hotshot in the industry, similar to the character which he portrayed in the film.

Glen Powell as Hangman in Top Gun 2

Since Top Gun 2, Powell has already worked in two movies, two TV shows, and one musical video. On top of that, he has three more projects underway. It goes without saying had Powell declined the role in the Tom Cruise film, his acting career may not have seen the same heights.

Kudos to Denzel Washington for not only providing him an opportunity to act in his 2007 movie, but also pushing the actor for going out of his comfort zone to work in sequel to Top Gun.

Tom Cruise Also Had to Convince Glen Powell to Work in Top Gun: Maverick

Glen Powell’s character in the movie acted as a hindrance in the path of Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw, played by former Fantastic Four star, Miles Teller.

Keeping that in mind, Powell wasn’t sure why the character was in the film to begin with. However, following some convincing from Tom Cruise, Powell decided to take a leap of faith and join the project.

Glen Powell as Hangman in Top Gun 2

Upon seeing the success of the film at the box office, Powell is glad that he accepted the role. All things considered, if it weren’t for the immense convincing power of Denzel Washington and Tom Cruise, the audience may have never seen a perfect depiction of hotshot Lt. Hangman in the film.