Is Glen Powell making a Backdraft sequel? What the star says
Glen Powell is reportedly starring in a new firefighter movie directed by Ron Howard. Naturally, people have speculated that it’s a Backdraft sequel or remake – but that may not be the case.
The original film is one of thebest moviesof the ’90s, following Kurt Russell and William Baldwin’s firefighting brothers hot on the trail of a serial arsonist in Chicago.
It had an amazing cast (Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Scott Glenn also star), but above all else, it was an extraordinary showcase of pyrotechnic effects that still hasn’t been beaten.
While a direct-to-video sequel with Baldwin dropped in bargain bins in 2019, it had been rumored that Powell and Howard were developing a new entry in the series. Alas, it may not be true.
Glen Powell throws water on Backdraft remake rumors
As reported byJeff Sneider, Powell will star in an untitled fighter movie for Amazon MGM, with Howard writing and directing.
Now, the Backdraft connection isn’t just wishful thinking. In July 2024, producer Brian Grazer (who founded Imagine Entertainment with Howard) toldCNBCthat a remake of Backdraft was in development with Powell eyed as the lead.
In an earlier interview withEntertainment Weekly, Howard said Backdraft could be adapted for TV. “It’s a great world and there have been some shows around firehouses,” he said.
“We’re not actively working on it. Although Brian Grazer talks about it from time to time, so maybe one of these days,” he said.
However, in August 2024, Powell played down the reports – the question is, was he being honest, or was he bluffing?
“Yeah, that’s not really a thing. So, I’m not really sure… obviously, I’m a fan of Backdraft,” he toldThe Playlist’s Discourse Podcast.
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“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.”
In the meantime, find out what’s happening withTop Gun 3and what else is dropping this year with our2025 movie calendar.
