Glen Powell has built a reputation as a credible movie star in recent years, particularly after his breakout role in Top Gun: Maverick. Now, with his new Hulu series Chad Powers debuting, he is stepping into the spotlight as a Glen Powell comedy star, showcasing his considerable comedic talents beyond dramatic leading roles.
The Premise Behind Chad Powers
The Hulu series Chad Powers takes inspiration from a unique blend of sports and heartfelt comedy, following a formula similar to the success of Ted Lasso. The show’s concept stems from an episode of Eli Manning’s Eli’s Places docuseries, where Manning himself, along with his brother Peyton Manning, serve as executive producers. In the episode, Eli Manning goes undercover as Chad Powers, disguised with prosthetics, to try out for Penn State’s walk-on football team.
Chad Powers expands on this idea with a fresh twist: instead of a superstar athlete, the man behind the Chad Powers persona is Russ Holliday, played by Glen Powell. Russ was once a promising quarterback at the University of Oregon but suffered a career-ending mistake during a championship game, triggering backlash and long-lasting online infamy. Years later, when the struggling University of South Georgia Catfish hold walk-on tryouts, Russ sees an opportunity for redemption by adopting the Chad Powers disguise—complete with wigs and prosthetics—to reinvent himself and escape his tarnished past.
Glen Powell’s Expansive Comedic Range in Chad Powers
Powell’s portrayal of Russ Holliday and his alter ego Chad Powers reveals a versatility rooted deeply in comedy. Similar to his layered dual role in Hit Man as philosophy professor Gary and various assassin personas, Powell balances a grounded, haunted Russ with his wild, exaggerated Chad. Chad’s squeaky voice, evoking the now-iconic “My name is Jeff” meme from 22 Jump Street, provides sustained absurdity across several episodes, emphasizing Powell’s commitment to finding humor in the character’s silliness.
Russ’ transformation into Chad involves constant improvisation, where he fabricates bizarre backstories about a rural childhood, wolves, and strange medical conditions. His nervous eyes convey panic at the risk of exposure, but also the thrill of assuming this new identity. This dual performance underscores the show’s themes of personal redemption and showcases Powell’s ability to deliver comedic performances that feel effortless yet nuanced.
The prosthetics play a surprisingly central role in Chad Powers, serving both as a plot device and a symbol of the character’s double life. Russ borrows them from his prosthetics-designer father, portrayed by Toby Huss. The elaborate makeup prevents Chad from freely engaging with teammates in typical football rituals such as showering or lakeside gatherings, heightening tension and comedy. This emphasis on makeup craft also reflects Powell’s familiarity with transformational roles from his film career, merging his interests with the sports setting of the series.
An Ensemble Cast Brings Depth to the Football-Comedy Blend
Powell is supported by a dynamic cast that complements the show’s mix of humor and heart. Steve Zahn stars as Jake Hudson, the tension-riddled coach of the South Georgia Catfish. Perry Mattfeld plays Jake’s daughter Ricky, an intense football enthusiast fighting nepo-baby stereotypes, who shares a mutual understanding with Russ about the burden of expectations.
Frankie A. Rodriguez offers a standout performance as Danny, Russ’ mischievous ally who adds physical comedy as the team mascot and brings a unpredictable edge to his loyalty. Although Colton Ryan’s role as Gerry, a relentlessly optimistic backup quarterback with strong religious faith, is limited by the show’s brief six-episode span, his character provides memorable comedic moments with a can-do attitude.
Unfortunately, the condensed season restricts fuller development of the Catfish locker room and other supporting characters, leaving some potential untapped. Nevertheless, the chemistry and diverse talents of the cast lay the groundwork for a compelling sports comedy.
Why Chad Powers Deserves More Than Six Episodes
The six-episode format of Chad Powers feels notably brief given the depth of storytelling and character potential displayed throughout. Powell’s lead performance stands out, highlighting a side of his talent that has been less recognized in mainstream roles. His comedic prowess suggests he would be a natural fit for platforms like Saturday Night Live, where his versatility and willingness to embrace absurdity could flourish on a weekly stage.
For viewers, Chad Powers offers more than a typical sports comedy. It blends humor with a thoughtful exploration of failure, identity, and reinvention. The prosthetics, sports backdrop, and heartfelt performances converge to deliver a series that is both funny and emotionally resonant.
The show premiered with its first two episodes on Hulu on September 30, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays, marking a promising start for Glen Powell’s transition into a fully realized comedy star on television.
