Glen Powell is stepping onto the football field—with a new look! The Top Gun: Maverick star has transformed for the upcoming comedy series Chad Powers, which he co-created with Michael Waldron. This new half-hour comedy is inspired by Powell's character sketch from former NFL star Eli Manning's ESPN+ show, Eli's Places. According to Powell and Waldron, 'We’re both diehard college football fans. When we saw Eli as Chad Powers, we knew it was the way to tell a big, fun story about this world.'
Scheduled to premiere on Hulu in the fall of 2025, Chad Powers stars Glen Powell as Russ Holliday. This character, whose college career derailed due to bad behavior, disguises himself to join a struggling college football team as the affable and seemingly talented Chad Powers.
While the series promises hilarity and heart, it traces its roots to Manning's original comedic skit where he donned similar disguises to participate as Chad Powers during walk-on tryouts at Penn State University. Manning, who is also one of the executive producers of the series, expressed surprise at the continued love for Chad Powers. 'The love for Chad Powers has surprised me... it's not uncommon for fans to scream, ‘Hey Chad!’' Manning said.
The character of Chad Powers has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, initially developed during Manning's 2022 appearance on his show. Those who watched the original sketch appreciated the humor and relatability involved, thoroughly setting the stage for what would become the comedy series.
Both Manning brothers, Eli and Peyton, are involved as executive producers alongside Powell and Waldron, making this collaboration one of great anticipation among both football and television fans alike.
The teaser for Chad Powers was recently released, offering a slick glimpse of Powell’s transformation from disgraced quarterback to his new identity. The 15-second trailer highlights the humorous chaos accompanying his disguise, where he applies facial prosthetics and dons wigs, ensuring every bit of the comedic element shines through as he attempts to make his comeback.
The show’s synopsis hints at the comedic turn when 'bad behavior nukes hotshot QB Russ Holliday's college career'. It sets the tone for Powell's character to reinvention, capturing both the absurdity and the struggle for redemption as he aims to join the college football scene unnoticed.
With its playful premise, Chad Powers is aiming to carve its niche akin to comedies like Ted Lasso, mixing the world's love for football with relatable themes of second chances. The project is loaded with talent, featuring notable actors such as Perry Mattfeld, Steve Zahn, Wynn Everett, and Quentin Plair.
Powell has described the character as “one of the hardest” he’s ever portrayed, delving deep to combine humor with the challenging arc of his character. This exploratory process even saw him consulting with Tom Cruise, familiar with the intricacies of prosthetics from his film experiences.
Fans are eager for Powell's return to television, considering his previous success on Scream Queens before making his way to blockbuster films. Notable roles lined up for Powell include parts in Twisters and Hit Man, and he's been vocal about the unpredictable comedy inherent within the upcoming series.
Hulu is confident it’s hitting the right notes with this series expected to resonate with sports enthusiasts and casual viewers. The excitement swirling around its impending release is palpable, as audiences anticipate not only the comedy but also the insightful exploration of what happens when someone must disguise their true self to pursue their dreams.
With Chad Powers, Powell is not just stepping back onto the small screen; he’s taking on multiple roles—star, creator, and producer, promising fans a unique blend of football, laughter, and heartfelt narrative when the series debuts.