“Chad Powers,” the upcoming sports comedy featuring Glen Powell, has released its first trailer ahead of the series premiere. The Hulu show, co-created by Powell and Michael Waldron, follows Russ Holliday, an American football player whose career is derailed by a critical error, prompting him to reinvent himself in disguise.
In an effort to revive his football dreams, Russ assumes a new identity as the eccentric title character and joins a struggling team, all while trying to conceal his true self.
Plot Highlights and Character Transformation
The trailer demonstrates Russ’s transformation, which involves a humorous and elaborate disguise reminiscent of classic disguises seen in films like “Mrs. Doubtfire.” His new persona features a distinctive wig and an exaggerated accent inspired by the western region of West Virginia, adding a quirky angle to his attempts at blending in.
The supporting cast includes Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, Perry Mattfeld, Wynn Everett, Frankie A Rodriguez, Clayne Crawford, and Colton Ryan. Powell takes on multiple roles in the production as both executive producer and star. Although the total number of episodes is undisclosed, Disney has confirmed the release of the first two installments on Disney+ on September 30, with additional half-hour episodes following weekly.
Unique Inspiration Behind the Series
The concept for “Chad Powers” stems from a real-life comedy sketch featuring former NFL quarterback Eli Manning. In 2022, Manning disguised himself while trying out for Penn State University’s football team during an ESPN project, creating a scenario that balances humor and intrigue through hidden identity.
Glen Powell addressed this inspiration in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, remarking on the fun inherent in the deception involved. He said,
“So, let’s use the lie at the centre of this thing, which creates inherent fun conflict over the course of the series. We were like, ‘OK, we’re going to Tootsie this thing. Let’s Mrs Doubtfire it, and let’s see how far we can take this lie.’” —Glen Powell, Actor and Executive Producer
Premiere Date and Anticipated Reception
Scheduled to debut on Disney+ on September 30, “Chad Powers” aims to blend sports, comedy, and disguise-driven storytelling into an engaging series. With Powell’s experience from projects like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Anyone But You,” and a strong creative team including Michael Waldron, the show is poised to attract viewers interested in lighthearted yet cleverly constructed narratives.
The series’ connection to a well-known sports figure and its homage to classic comedy tropes suggest it could resonate with audiences who enjoy character-driven humor mixed with sports culture.
