Glen Powell and Signs First-Look Deal with Universal

Glen Powell, the actor who had a breakout Hollywood year in 2024, is continuing his hot streak into the new year.

The actor and his production banner Barnstorm have signed a first-look film deal with Universal Pictures, for whom the actor starred in last year’s surprise hit Twisters.

The deal comes on the heels of Powell finding the executive tasked with running his banner. Dan Cohen, who was a principal at Shawn Levy’s prolific production company 21 Laps, will help run Barnstorm as Powell’s partner. The new position, one of the most-coveted jobs in town, was filled over the holiday break.

“Barnstorm has been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” said Powell in a statement announcing the first-look deal. “I want our company to be a destination for world class theatrical entertainment. Throughout the process of making Twisters, I was so impressed with the leadership of Universal and the vision and ambition of their team across so many departments. We are so honored to call them home.”

Powell was already having a strong 12 months thanks to the surprise performance of Sony’s romantic comedy Anyone But You and strong reviews for the off-kilter romancer Hit Man. Then came the summer blockbuster performance of Twisters. The movie, which was directed by Lee Isaac-Chung and also starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, overperformed against all industry expectations, proving especially muscular domestically, where it grossed over $267.7 million. (It made almost $371 million worldwide.) The movie hit Peacock in November, where it became the streaming service’s biggest Pay 1 film ever in its first 14 days on the platform.

“Glen is the complete package: a talented, charismatic producer, creator, writer, and actor at the top of his game, who is committed to entertaining global audiences across all genres,” stated Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer. “He was an ideal partner throughout the production and release of our hit Twisters, and we know that he will continue to expand on his success in the years to come.  We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with him, Dan, and the Barnstorm team to create compelling new stories for the big screen.”

Cohen spent close to 15 years working with Levy, who last year directed the billion dollar-grossing Deadpool & Wolverine, and 21 Laps partner Dan Levine. Amongst his credits are Netflix’s mega-popular Stranger Things, the Oscar-winning Denis Villeneuve sci-fi thriller Arrival and indie darling The Spectacular Now, all of which showcased his breadth.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the nearly 15 years I’ve spent at 21 Laps with Shawn Levy, Dan Levine & the 21 Laps entire team for everything we’ve made together, and I wasn’t looking to leave,” Cohen stated. “Glen is somebody I’ve admired for a long time and who’s earned every ounce of his success. Partnering with him at Barnstorm is an extraordinary opportunity.”

Cohen also shared the kinds of movies Barnstorm seeks to make and the kind of ethos that would be driving it.

“We share a passion for pushing creative boundaries, amplifying fresh voices, and telling bold, impactful stories that connect with audiences around the world,“ Cohen said. “People often talk about doing ‘One for me… and one for them.’ But in looking forward to building Barnstorm, the philosophy is ‘All for me. And all for them.’”

Said Powell, “Dan Cohen is someone I’ve been a fan of for over a decade. His passion for storytelling and storytellers is inspiring, and I’m so proud to call him my partner in this exciting new chapter.”

Powell is currently shooting The Running Man, Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the Stephen King story, for Paramount Pictures. The sci-fi thriller is expected to be released Nov. 7, 2025.