Glen Powell’s new Hulu comedy series, Chad Powers, set to debut on September 30, presents a fresh and humorous take on the actor’s typical roles by showcasing his Glen Powell Chad Powers Transformation. The show follows Russ Holliday, a professional football player who, after ruining his career, assumes a goofy alter ego to reclaim his place in the sport.
A Unique Blend of Comedy and Sports Drama Inspired by Real-Life Events
Chad Powers, co-created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, is loosely based on a stunt performed by NFL quarterback Eli Manning in his ESPN show Eli’s Places. Manning impersonated a mild-mannered character named Chad Powers to experience walking on a college football team at Penn State firsthand. Drawing from this real-life inspiration, the series explores Russ Holliday’s journey as he transforms himself into Chad Powers to regain his reputation.
The official trailer reveals the storyline’s arc where Russ Holiday, a quarterback, suffers a career-ending blunder during a vital game. Seeing the movie Mrs. Doubtfire as a source of inspiration, Russ decides the best way to restore his legacy is by reinventing himself completely. Accompanying the trailer, images released by TV Insider show Powell in both his original role and his Chad Powers disguise, while Steve Zahn plays a tense coach battling to turn things around on the field.
Chad Powers: Comedy with Heart and Contemporary Edge
The tone of Chad Powers draws clear influences from classic films like Tootsie and Mrs. Doubtfire, where adopting a disguise leads to unexpected challenges and revelations. Michael Waldron has mentioned that these titles were significant inspirations for the series, which aims to blend humor with meaningful character development.
The show promises to explore themes such as identity and redemption. Since the character Chad Powers originated from Eli Manning’s quest to understand team dynamics at Penn State, similar emotional and cultural insights are expected in the series. The show’s visuals appear bright and detailed, highlighting a production quality that complements its story.
Regarding the lead character, Waldron says Chad is a
“very contemporary 2025 a**hole, but the kind of guy that you can still empathize with and love.”
—Michael Waldron. This suggests that while the character may be flawed and awkward, audiences will find layers of relatability beneath the comedic exterior.
Glen Powell’s Challenging Role Marks a Shift in His Career
This series departs from Glen Powell’s usual heartthrob roles by positioning him as a character who is not only unlikable but also assumes a second persona within the narrative. Playing Russ Holliday alongside his alter ego Chad Powers required Powell to explore a wide range of emotions and challenge his typical screen presence.
Chad Powers promises to be one of Powell’s most ambitious roles, combining humor with heartfelt moments and tackling themes of second chances. The trailer indicates strong potential for the show to become a standout Hulu original comedy, balancing laughs with genuine storytelling.
Plot Overview and Supporting Cast Details
The story centers on Russ Holliday, whose promising college quarterback career falls apart following misconduct that costs him his place on the team. By creating and living as Chad Powers, he joins a struggling Southern football team, applying his skills and charm to try to change the group’s fortunes while hiding his true identity.
The cast also features Perry Mattfeld, Toby Huss, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Steve Zahn, and Jake Hudson, each contributing to the world of Chad Powers with supporting roles such as coaches and teammates who navigate the ups and downs of football and personal transformation alongside Russ.
Anticipated Impact and What to Expect Next
With its blend of comedy, sports drama, and underlying emotional resonance, Chad Powers is positioned to attract a diverse audience when it launches on Hulu at the end of September. The show’s balance of humor and heart, combined with Glen Powell’s dynamic performance, sets it apart as a potential breakout hit.
Viewers can expect a well-crafted series that explores themes of identity, redemption, and perseverance, all while delivering laughs through clever writing and strong character work. As the show premieres, audiences will be watching to see how Powell’s Chad Powers navigates the difficult path back to relevance and self-acceptance in the competitive world of college football.
