Glen Powell Opens Up About Awkward Encounter with Canceled Star

Glen Powell recently shared an uncomfortable encounter with a celebrity who has faced significant backlash and been “canceled,” igniting speculation among fans about the star’s identity. During an appearance on the Therapuss podcast hosted by Jake Shane, Powell recounted the incident that took place at a Hollywood party.

The actor, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, described feeling excited to meet the unnamed star, who had previously created films he admired. “I showed up to the party and there was somebody that had been on the ropes in terms of getting canceled,” Powell explained. “This person had made some of my favorite movies, and I was like, ‘Oh, this is great.'” However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when a photographer requested a photo with them.

Uncomfortable Realizations at a Hollywood Party

As Powell posed for the picture, he began to reconsider the implications of sharing the spotlight with someone recently embroiled in controversy. “This person was recently canceled, and it was not good,” he remarked. “I was a fan of their work but not a fan of their choices.” This realization led to hesitation, which the celebrity reportedly noticed. “I realized, this guy, his face is toxic,” Powell added. “Going out into the world, people are having a visceral reaction to this person in terms of the bad choices they’ve made.”

In an attempt to contextualize the situation, Powell compared the scenario to his character in the upcoming series Chad Powers. He plays Russ Holliday, a football player whose career is jeopardized by a mistake, and who disguises himself to reclaim his former glory. “Russ Holliday is just a guy that made a mistake. He’s not a bad guy. Some of these other people that get canceled, they should lie where they’re shot,” he stated, hinting at a broader commentary on the nature of cancel culture.

Although Powell did not disclose the canceled star’s name, fans have engaged in a guessing game on social media. Names such as Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Chris Pratt, Ezra Miller, Will Smith, and Russell Brand have emerged in discussions. Powell’s representative has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the speculation.

Behind the Scenes with Jimmy Kimmel

Powell’s podcast appearance followed his role as the first guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Kimmel’s recent suspension over comments related to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During that appearance, Powell reflected on his early days in Los Angeles when he struggled to make ends meet while pursuing an acting career. He recounted how Kimmel and producer Diane Kelson had helped him during tough times by allowing him access to snacks in the show’s green room.

The actor humorously noted, “So when you can’t afford snacks or alcohol, I could always come to the Jimmy Kimmel show and have my feast.” Powell has since established himself as a leading figure in Hollywood, starring in various films including Hidden Figures and The Dark Knight Rises.

As Powell continues to promote his new series Chad Powers, which premieres on September 30, 2025, he portrays a character navigating the complexities of redemption and identity in the face of adversity. This exploration of personal and public perception reflects ongoing conversations within the entertainment industry about accountability and the consequences of public actions.