Amazon MGM Studios has officially confirmed that Glen Powell, known for his role in Twisters, will lead an untitled firefighter movie directed by Ron Howard. The project originated from a pitch by screenwriter Christina Hodson, with Imagine Entertainment and Powell’s own company, Barnstorm, set to produce.
Howard brings a wealth of experience to the genre, having directed the iconic firefighter film Backdraft. The screenplay, crafted by Hodson, tells the story of two childhood friends who, now serving as elite firefighters, must mend their broken friendship as a series of devastating fires ravage Texas.
The production team includes Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Jeb Brody from Imagine Entertainment, along with Dan Cohen and Glen Powell from Barnstorm. Hodson will also act as an executive producer.
Powell, who received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance in Netflix’s Hit Man, is poised for an exciting slate ahead. He will star in the upcoming series Chad Powers, which he co-created and co-wrote, and is set to appear in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, releasing on November 7. The actor has also recently completed filming the revenge thriller Huntington and is currently working on a Warner Bros. project directed by J.J. Abrams.
Christina Hodson transitioned from a development executive to a screenwriter in 2012 and has since made her mark with acclaimed credits. She was the sole screenwriter for Paramount’s Bumblebee (2018) and contributed to Warner Bros.’ Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey (2020) and The Flash (2023). Additionally, she recently co-wrote a screenplay for the 11th installment of the Fast and the Furious series alongside Oren Uziel. Hodson continues to be influential in the industry, not only through her writing but also as a co-producer on notable projects and as the head of her own company, Hodson Exports.
The news first broke by InSneider last night.