Glen Powell steps into the spotlight in Hulu’s new football comedy, Chad Powers, showcasing a transformation that leaves him nearly unrecognizable. This half-hour series marks Powell's return to television, where he takes on the lead role.
Inspired by Eli Manning’s 2022 ESPN+ docuseries Eli’s Places, the show follows Manning as he disguises himself to participate in Penn State’s walk-on football tryouts under the persona of Chad Powers, complete with a wig and prosthetic makeup. “We’re both diehard college football fans. When we saw Eli as Chad Powers, we knew that was the way into a big, fun story about this world,” Powell and co-creator Michael Waldron stated in a joint announcement.
As an executive producer alongside his brother Peyton Manning, Eli praised Powell’s portrayal. “I thought he looked unbelievable. I mean, he looked terrible, which is hard for Glen to look really bad. He looked bad like I did!” Eli remarked, expressing excitement about Powell stepping into the quarterback role. “He’s fired up to play quarterback and to play Chad. He’s gonna do a great job.”
Reflecting on the unexpected journey from skit to series, Eli noted, “Who would’ve ever known? I thought it was a funny idea: ‘Go and try out for a Penn State football team. Have a little fun.’ Now it’s turning into a show on Hulu. I mean, it’s unbelievable.”
The 10-episode season is set to premiere on September 30, 2025. Chad Powers signifies Powell's return to the small screen after his breakout role as Chad Radwell in Ryan Murphy’s Scream Queens and his film successes in Top Gun: Maverick and others.
The official logline reveals that when “bad behavior nukes hotshot QB Russ Holliday’s college career, he disguises himself and walks onto a struggling Southern football team as the talented, affable Chad Powers.” Not only does Powell star in the series, but he also co-created and co-wrote it with Waldron, with both Mannings and ESPN credited as executive producers.
Eli expressed his surprise at the character's popularity: “The love for Chad Powers has surprised me in spectacular ways. I played 16 years in the NFL, but now when I’m in a restaurant or walking through an airport, it’s not uncommon for fans to scream, ‘Hey Chad!’”
The cast also features Steve Zahn, Wynn Everett, Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, and Frankie A. Rodriguez. Zahn shared his experience working with Powell, calling it “a blast” and noting the extensive prosthetic application process Powell endures each morning.
In December 2024, Hulu unveiled a first look at the series, showcasing Powell’s transformation into Chad Powers. Powell described the role as “one of the hardest” he has ever taken on. “He’s like the worst dude on the planet who puts on the mask of the most genial Southern guy you’ve ever seen,” he explained.
Hulu released a teaser trailer in June 2025 that highlighted Powell’s character transformation. In one scene, he is seen applying makeup to disguise himself before hitting the field. “Everyone says I’m done with football,” his character states in the trailer. “If I can’t play as Russ, I’ll play as someone else.”
The trailer offers glimpses of Powell in action as both Russ and Chad, generating excitement among fans eager to see his dual performance. Comments on social media reflect this enthusiasm: “Glen Powell’s charisma will carry this for sure,” one user noted. Another added, “This sounds like a hilarious twist on sports comedies. Can’t wait to see Glen Powell’s performance!”
“Glen is the new ‘it’ guy. He’s going places!” a third user commented, highlighting the anticipation surrounding this unique series.
