Glen Powell is gearing up to surprise audiences with his boldest transformation yet. The first teaser for Chad Powers, Hulu’s upcoming half-hour comedy series, offers a glimpse into Powell’s portrayal of a washed-up football player attempting to reclaim glory under a bizarre disguise.
The teaser showcases Powell as Russ Holliday, a hot-tempered former college football star. In the 15-second clip, Russ cryptically states, “I got something comin’ up. Somethin’ kinda big,” while the footage reveals him preparing a prosthetic-heavy look to reinvent himself as Chad Powers. His new identity includes a bulbous nose, an unusual closed-mouth smile, and other physical alterations, making him nearly unrecognizable. Accompanying him in the series are Perry Mattfeld as Ricky and Steve Zahn as Jake Hudson, whose animated appearance in the teaser hints at the show’s comedic energy.
A Disguise with Purpose
The plot centers around Russ Holliday’s attempt to escape the weight of his past. After squandering his college football career due to his hot-headed nature, Russ dons the disguise of Chad Powers to join a new team. The comedic premise is inspired by an ESPN+ segment featuring Eli Manning, where the athlete, under disguise, attempted to join Penn State’s football team. Manning has credited his performance to inspiration drawn from Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused. Interestingly, Powell himself has worked with McConaughey’s collaborator, Richard Linklater, in previous projects, tying the parallels together.
The prosthetics and exaggerated features of Chad Powers are central to the humor and storytelling, creating a persona that is both absurd and captivating. The teaser hints at laugh-out-loud moments while setting the stage for a heartfelt story about second chances.
A Career in Overdrive
Chad Powers is co-created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki. The series continues Powell’s streak of high-profile projects, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s busiest and most versatile stars. Following his breakout role in Netflix’s Set It Up and his supporting turn in Top Gun: Maverick, Powell’s recent work includes the rom-com Anyone but You, the disaster sequel Twisters, and the dramedy Hit Man.
Looking ahead, Powell’s upcoming projects promise more diversity in genre. He’s set to star in Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man, based on Stephen King’s novel, and the thriller Huntington, alongside Margaret Qualley. Industry speculation also links him to a mysterious J.J. Abrams film, keeping fans eager for updates on his next moves.
Tapping Into a Unique Concept
The concept behind Chad Powers pays homage to the sports culture and entertainment crossovers that resonate with audiences. By drawing on Manning’s viral ESPN+ skit and injecting Powell’s comedic chops, the series promises to deliver a fresh and hilarious take on reinvention. Fans of sports comedies, absurd humor, and underdog tales are sure to find much to enjoy in this Hulu original.
Hulu has announced that Chad Powers will premiere in the fall of 2025. The teaser, already generating buzz, sets the tone for a series that combines physical comedy, sports antics, and a story of redemption.
For more updates on Chad Powers, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
