Glen Powell, known for his impressive roles in movies like Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone but You, Hit Man, and Twisters, is set to take on a new and intriguing challenge in the upcoming Hulu series Chad Powers.
Powell will star as Russ Holliday, a college student quarterback who, after missing his chance at a promising football career, adopts the persona of Chad Powers to join a struggling football team.
Using prosthetics, a wig, and a fake mustache, Powell’s portrayal of Chad Powers is expected to be another memorable addition to his list of quirky and unique roles.
For fans of sports and football, the name Chad Powers might ring a bell. While Powell will bring this character to life in the Hulu series, Chad Powers was first introduced by New York Giants legend Eli Manning. Manning’s portrayal of Chad Powers was featured in the ESPN+ series Eli’s Places, where Manning travels across the country showing various aspects of college football history.
He interviews athletes, coaches, and sports figures, offering a unique look at the world of college football. This series has expanded to include other sports figures, starting with Manning’s brother Peyton and featuring stars like P.K. Subban and Sue Bird. Manning’s version, particularly the episode where Chad Powers first appears, stands out for its humor and creativity.
Who Is ‘Chad Powers’?
Eli Manning, a well-known athlete who was the first pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, faced an unusual challenge when creating the Chad Powers character. The coaching staff at Pennsylvania State University allowed Manning to participate in the college football tryouts alongside other walk-on athletes, provided he did not become a distraction.
Given Manning’s well-known personality and status, this was no easy task. Manning took on the challenge by creating an elaborate backstory for Chad Powers, who is depicted as a part-time substitute teacher and carpenter trying out for his favorite football team. This backstory is a nod to Mark Wahlberg’s role in the 2006 sports drama Invincible.
To fully embody the character, Manning worked with Hollywood makeup artists to transform his appearance. They gave him long hair, a large nose, and a distinctive mustache, resulting in a character that blends elements of Matthew McConaughey’s roles with exaggerated cartoonish features. Manning’s love for movies and TV shows is evident in his portrayal of Chad Powers.
He revealed in an interview with Jimmy Fallon that the character was inspired by a mix of fictional oddballs, including Austin Powers, Kenny Powers from Eastbound & Down, and Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite.
While the segment was intended to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the trials and tribulations of college athlete hopefuls, it quickly turned into a comedy. Manning’s attempts to blend in with younger players, despite his noticeably older appearance and exaggerated personality, led to several funny and memorable moments.
His performance in the 40-yard dash was notably poor, and his exaggerated antics only added to the humor. Despite his talent in throwing drills, his unique personality and habit of speaking in the third person led to his removal from the team.
After being cut, Manning stepped out of character to offer advice to the players and announced that one of them had been awarded a scholarship.
What Will Eli Manning’s Role Be In ‘Chad Powers’?
While Manning’s segments on Eli’s Places are entertaining, the Chad Powers skit stands out due to its blend of traditional sports storytelling and comedic elements.
The skit has garnered significant attention online, with millions of views on ESPN’s YouTube channel and on Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions channel. Although it’s uncertain how much of Manning’s skit will influence the Hulu series, the name Chad Powers already carries significant weight and recognition.
The Hulu series is expected to benefit from the talent and dedication of its team. Although it has not been confirmed whether Eli Manning will make a cameo appearance in the series, he will be involved as an executive producer alongside his brother Peyton.
Glen Powell will take on the lead role and also serve as an executive producer, writer, and co-creator of the series. He will be supported by an all-star cast, including Steve Zahn and Toby Huss.
Powell, who is well-known for his roles in blockbuster films, will make his return to television with Chad Powers. His previous TV roles include Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous and guest appearances on Rick and Morty and Saturday Night Live. Chad Powers will be Powell’s first major live-action TV role since Scream Queens.
With his background in high school football and the success of similar underdog sports stories like Ted Lasso, Chad Powers is expected to capture the interest of TV audiences who enjoy classic sports narratives.
The upcoming Hulu series will offer a fresh take on the classic underdog sports story, featuring Glen Powell’s unique charm and comedic talent.
As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how Powell’s portrayal of Chad Powers compares to Eli Manning’s original character. With a strong team of producers, writers, and an impressive cast, Chad Powers is poised to be a hit with viewers who enjoy a blend of sports and comedy.
The Hulu series Chad Powers promises to be a hit, blending sports and comedy with Powell’s unique charm. Fans can look forward to a fresh, entertaining take on the underdog story.
Chad Powers will premiere on Hulu, with the exact release date to be announced.
