American actor Glen Powell has been seen enjoying a night out at a local Glasgow cinema while in the city filming a major new Hollywood production.
The 35-year-old, known for his breakout roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Netflix hit Anyone But You, is currently filming scenes in Glasgow for the upcoming Warner Bros feature Ghostwriter, which also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Jenna Ortega and Sex Education’s Emma Mackey.
This week, Powell was seen shooting a dramatic stunt sequence involving a city bus in the heart of Glasgow, with parts of the city centre transformed into what appears to be a futuristic version of New York.
But away from the high-octane action, the Texas-born actor took time out to visit the Grosvenor Picture Theatre in the city’s west end. The long-running Ashton Lane cinema confirmed Powell’s visit on social media, posting a photo and a short message to fans.
In a caption shared with their Instagram followers, the venue wrote: “We were delighted to welcome a special guest to the Grosvenor Picture Theatre last night – actor Glen Powell. Glen is currently in town shooting JJ Abrams’ Ghostwriter, and couldn’t resist a visit to the iconic Grosvenor Picture Theatre it seems. Thanks for joining us.”
The Grosvenor, which has been operating for over 100 years and is one of Glasgow’s most recognisable independent cinemas, has hosted numerous stars over the years – but Powell’s appearance has generated a particular buzz given the size of the production currently filming nearby.
Filming for Ghostwriter – directed by Star Wars filmmaker JJ Abrams – began in London in April 2024, before production moved to Scotland for location work.
According to Glasgow City Council, the production began filming in the city on Saturday June 8, with road closures and set preparations taking place throughout the city centre and west end until June 23.
Several streets including Renfield Street, Hope Street and Bothwell Street have been cordoned off for the filming, with Glasgow doubling for a stylised version of New York. Local shop fronts have been dressed with neon signage, yellow taxis have been spotted across set locations, and major road diversions have been in place throughout.
Ghostwriter marks Abrams’ first feature film since 2019, and is expected to blend action, science fiction and fantasy elements.
Very few plot details have been officially released, but Deadline previously reported that the story follows a novelist haunted by the ghost of his former co-writer.
While largely speculative, online rumours suggest the project may combine psychological thriller elements with a speculative twist – though Abrams and Warner Bros have yet to confirm any storyline specifics.
Glasgow City Council said the production is expected to bring “millions” to the local economy. The city has previously stood in for Philadelphia in World War Z, Gotham City in The Flash, and multiple American cities in the 2021 Indiana Jones sequel.
A council spokesperson confirmed: “Hosting a production of this scale not only showcases Glasgow as a filming destination but brings significant investment to local businesses, from hospitality to logistics.”
Numerous local extras and crew members have also been hired for the project, with many seen working behind the scenes on recent outdoor shoots.
Ghostwriter is currently in production and expected to wrap UK filming in late summer. A release date has not been confirmed, but the project is widely expected to premiere sometime in 2025.