“It’s just instinct,” the actor says, adding that he always keeps in mind that he, too, “will be an audience member in the theater watching the movie.” Powell explains that this mindset keeps him grounded and connected to what the audience wants.

“I always keep that in mind when I read something. There are so many great scripts. But one thing I always try to do is get into the character. I always try to keep that in mind: is this something that I, as an audience, would want to see? Is this something that I would want to watch?” said the 35-year-old actor, whose much-anticipated film Twisters was released recently.

His approach to his craft was largely influenced by their advice. Top Gun: Maverick producer, Jerry Bruckheimer. “He said, ‘Before you say yes to a movie, just close your eyes and watch the movie [play] in your head. [Now,] “‘Are you the best person for that role? And is this something different?’ So that’s my process now,” says Powell, emphasizing that this advice guided him in choosing roles that not only challenged him as an actor but also appealed to audiences.