Summary
Despite initial reports indicating he was all lined up to lead the new version of the movie, Glen Powell clarifies his involvement in theBackdraftremake. Kurt Russell ledRon Howard’s original 1991 thriller, starring as Chicago Fire Lieutenant Bull McCaffrey as he and his team of firefighters, including his hotheaded younger brother, investigate a series of fires carried out by a serial arsonist. Reports of theBackdraftremake first swirled in July 2024 when producer Brian Grazer indicated that he was working on a new incarnation with Powell set to star.
Now, during a recent interview withThe Playlist’sDiscourse Podcastto discuss his upcoming Audible comedyThe Best Man’s Ghostwriter, Powell was asked about his apparent involvement in theBackdraftremake. The actor quickly debunked Grazer’s prior comments, confirming it’s “not really a thing”, but also acknowledging that the world of the firefighter franchise is “ripe for exploration”. See what Powell explained below:
Yeah, that’s not really a thing. So, I’m not really sure. Yeah [it’s a rumor], but I mean, obviously, I’m a fan of Backdraft. I think Backdraft is an incredible film. I’m a huge Kurt Russell fan, as well. I think it’s a world that’s ripe for exploration, but not in terms of me around it. That’s nothing I can really speak to it.
The Backdraft Remake Could Pigeonhole Powell
His recent trend of remakes and legacy sequels could prevent wider roles.
At the time of Grazer’s comments, the response tothe prospect of aBackdraftremakewas decidedly mixed, particularly from fans of the original movie, who lamented a lack of ideas sparking further remakes. Others also noted that the previous attempt to franchise the firefighter thriller with 2019’sBackdraft 2proved to be further underwhelming, sparking further calls for the original movie to be left alone. While Powell’s comments may not outright debunk the remake’s overall development, it could be beneficial for avoiding a career pigeonhole.
Though he has been the lead of some original projects in recent years, including the critically acclaimed dark romantic comedyHit Manand sleeper hit rom-comAnyone but You, Powell has established something of a trend of starring in remakes and legacy sequels recently. This trend first began withTop Gun: Maverick, which became the second-highest-grossing film of 2022, and continued with the recently releasedTwisters, which has seen both strong reviews and strong box office returns. It’s also set to continue with hisupcoming remake of Stephen King’sThe Running Man, which is set to begin filming later this year.
Glen Powell’s 6 Upcoming Movies Explained
Glen Powell has fast become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors whose hot streak looks set to continue in plenty of exciting upcoming movies.
While the star does have a number of original roles on the horizon, including J.J. Abrams' new mystery project, in which he’ll star alongside Jenna Ortega, Powell signing on for theBackdraftremake could further see him eyed to lead nostalgia-driven projects. Given audiences are largely feeling fatigued by this surge of legacy sequels and remakes, the new version of the firefighter thriller would have to do something special akin toTwistersand Ryan Gosling’sThe Fall Guyin order to establish some interest in the movie’s fanbase.
Backdraft
Cast
Backdraft is a 1991 action thriller directed by Ron Howard, focusing on the lives of Chicago firefighters. The film stars Kurt Russell and William Baldwin as two brothers who must overcome their differences while investigating a series of arson attacks. Featuring Robert De Niro as an arson investigator, the narrative dives deep into the dangers firefighters face and the complexities of familial relationships within the fire department.
