Glen Powell stars as Chad Powers in Hulu's sharp sports comedy. [Image Source: YIMG]
Glen Powell’s new Hulu series, Chad Powers, combines humor and heart in a fresh sports comedy that debuted in 2024. The show centers on Russell, a disgraced former quarterback who adopts the alter ego Chad Powers—complete with a mustache and mullet disguise—to make a comeback as a walk-on player. Crafted by Powell and Michael Waldron, Chad Powers stands out by blending absurdity with an emotional core, making it appealing even to viewers unfamiliar with football.
A Bold Premise Inspired by Eli Manning’s Original Sketch
The concept for Chad Powers originated from a viral sketch created by Eli Manning. Russell’s journey of reinvention taps into classic sports narratives, drawing inspiration from films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Rudy, while also embracing the charm and optimism found in series such as Ted Lasso. Despite its comedic moments, the show balances satire with sincerity, offering a heartfelt take on a washed-up athlete’s quest for redemption.
Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki, Heels, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, discussed how the collaboration with Powell shaped the series. The idea to keep Powell’s elaborate disguise became a key creative decision.
“Glen said, ‘Yeah, but what if you did?’”
Waldron recalled.
“Everything that felt scary as a writer, pulling off a guy living two lives, became the entire engine of the show. From that moment on, we were off to the races.”
Balancing Comedy with Romance and Emotional Depth
While comparisons with Ted Lasso arose naturally, Waldron highlighted the differences between the two shows. Both originated from sketches and grew into character-driven sports comedies, but Chad Powers pushes into weirder comedic territory with a strong romantic storyline at its core.
Image of: Glen Powell
“I thought ‘Ted Lasso’ was great and exactly the show we needed when it came out,”
he said.
“If there’s any DNA we share, it’s that feeling of, ‘Wait, this is actually really good!’ But where we diverge, it’s probably a little weirder. Comedically, I’m inspired by Danny McBride and ‘Eastbound and Down,’ ‘Vice Principals.’ And unlike ‘Ted Lasso,’ this show really has a romance at its heart.”
This romantic element provides a narrative thread that grounds the series’ chaotic locker room antics. According to Waldron,
“If you asked me to classify the show as anything, I’d probably say it’s a romantic comedy above all else.”
Creative Partnership Drives Character and Story Development
The synergy between Powell and Waldron is a cornerstone of the show’s success. Waldron described Powell not only as the star but also as a co-creator deeply involved in the storytelling process.
“He’s my co-creator and my star, so he’s literally Chad Powers,”
Waldron said.
“At any time, I can just hit him up and say, ‘Would Russ do this?’ We built this character together and charted out a multi-season journey for him. He’s got a great sense of story structure, and then he goes and delivers this incredible physical performance under prosthetics. Damn him for being so good-looking while doing it.”
This dedication to the role, especially with the physical demands of the disguise, sometimes led to tense moments on set. Waldron shared an amusing incident during filming at the University of Georgia stadium.
“We took Glen through the stadium at the University of Georgia during halftime to see if people recognized him,”
he laughed.
“We thought it’d be funny. It was terrifying. We were like, ‘Get him out of here, he’s going to get ripped apart like the witch at the end of ‘Weapons.’”
Plans for Future Seasons and Eli Manning’s Support
Waldron and Powell have charted out plans that extend beyond the initial season, which covers about half a college football season.
“This first one takes you through half a college football season,”
Waldron explained.
If we kept going, we’d pick up from there.”
Integral to the show’s development was Eli Manning, who not only created the character but stayed involved as a creative partner. Waldron described Manning as an ideal rights holder who positively influenced the production.
“Eli was the dream IP rights holder,”
he said.
“He was nothing but positivity and fun. He couldn’t believe we were making this out of that silly sketch, and he came to the writers’ room to help Glen with the quarterback training. He was amazing.”
Exploring Vulnerability in Sports and Superhero Stories
Waldron sees thematic links between Chad Powers and his earlier projects, such as Heels and Loki. He is drawn to narratives that delve into the vulnerabilities beneath high-status characters’ surfaces.
“Athletes are sort of real-world superheroes,”
he said.
“My favorite stuff, in sports stories and superhero stories, is taking these high-status characters and finding their vulnerabilities. That’s what I did with Loki, and I find myself doing it again here.”
In addition, Waldron hinted at the possible revival of his wrestling drama Heels, which gained fresh momentum after its move to Netflix. Though nothing is confirmed, Waldron expressed optimism.
“Almost everyone who saw it loved it. Maybe it just needs its ‘Suits’ moment.”
Imagining Glen Powell in the Marvel Universe
When asked about casting Powell within Marvel’s cinematic world, Waldron suggested the cosmic hero Nova, a fan-favorite character often compared to DC’s Green Lantern. Waldron’s choice fits Powell’s blend of charm, athleticism, and sincerity.
“He’d be a pretty good Nova,”
he remarked, underscoring how Marvel Studios has teased the character’s arrival since the debut of the Nova Corps in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Release Details and Where to Watch
All episodes of Chad Powers are available exclusively on Hulu, with new releases continuing through the finale on October 28, 2024. The series offers a unique blend of physical comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and sports drama that resonates beyond football fans.
