In Hulu’s hybrid comedy series Chad Powers, Glen Powell plays Russ Holliday, a former quarterback whose career ends abruptly due to a serious mistake. Eight years later, Russ reinvents himself as Chad Powers by disguising his identity with prosthetics, wigs, and a Southern accent. This ruse allows him to pursue his dream with the South Georgia Catfish football team, motivating his teammates while hiding his true self. The series explores whether Chad can maintain this deception and compete in the season’s most crucial game, with the outcome hinging on assistant coach Ricky, played by Perry Mattfeld.
The show combines comedy, drama, romance, and sports elements, drawing inspiration from films like Mrs. Doubtfire and series such as Breaking Bad. Cast and crew members embraced the storyline’s absurdity while making sure the emotional core and football sequences felt authentic, culminating in a powerful season finale focusing on truth and identity.
Blending Humor, Heart, and Authenticity in ‘Chad Powers’
The series skillfully merges various genres without forcing a choice between romance, comedy, or drama. Glen Powell emphasized that
“you don’t have to choose between romance or comedy or drama,”
explaining that with strong writing, talented collaborators, and a capable ensemble, all these elements can coexist naturally. The show uses a somewhat outrageous premise—akin to a “Mrs. Doubtfire” style disguise—but balances it with genuine emotions and realistic football scenes to maintain credibility.
Powell noted the challenge of making extreme moments believable. He highlighted the dedication of the ensemble cast, saying,
“I really do believe a championship team is just made of great brains, great hearts, and people that are willing to go for it.”
This commitment from everyone involved ensured that even outlandish events felt grounded and sincere.
Steve Zahn, who portrays Head Coach Hudson and Ricky’s father, spoke about anchoring the absurdity in truth:
“No, you play the truth. The truth is the truth. If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything.”
Zahn described the careful balance of embracing the show’s quirks without over-explaining them, allowing viewers to accept the unusual storylines because of their fidelity to character and emotion.
Despite the wild premise, none of the substantial material was removed during production. Powell credited the talented writers’ room and their open discussions for adapting scenes to work smoothly, saying that decisions on the day of shooting were made collaboratively to find the “best version” of each moment. This creative process fostered a supportive environment for experimenting with the show’s tonal range.
Steve Zahn’s Reaction to Glen Powell’s Transformation into Chad Powers
Steve Zahn revealed that when he first saw Powell fully transformed as Chad Powers, his reaction mirrored that of the audience:
“Oh, wow, you’re going for it.”
Zahn praised Powell’s ability to portray a character who is both exaggerated and believable, calling it “brilliant.” Zahn expressed admiration for the show’s unexpected twists, admitting he was “constantly blindsided” during filming.
Discussing the emotionally intense subplot involving Wendy’s affair with Russ, her confession to her husband, and his subsequent heart attack, Zahn explained how he approached these challenging scenes. He said,
“You just play the truth of the moment, no matter what show you’re in,”
emphasizing the actor’s focus on the present scene rather than the entire storyline. Powell echoed this, highlighting the collective energy on set, describing the atmosphere as charged with a unique intensity that helped bring these moments to life.
Inspiration from Breaking Bad Shapes the Season’s Climax
Glen Powell and the creative team drew clear inspiration from Breaking Bad when planning the series’ dramatic conclusion. Powell recalled conversations with showrunner Michael Waldron, who shared insights about storytelling from Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad. Gilligan’s philosophy of sometimes remaining slightly ahead of the audience but still surprising the cast guided the development of the season’s reveal.
Powell reflected on the unforgettable bus scene between Chad and Ricky, calling it “heartbreaking” and highlighting how the series operates under a high-pressure atmosphere uncommon in typical comedies. The pressure intensifies both the drama and humor, resulting in moments that resonate deeply with viewers. He described this layering of emotion and tension as “great writing” that carefully constructs the story’s climaxes.
Steve Zahn agreed, affirming the strength of the scene and the overall storytelling approach, which keeps the audience engaged while maintaining authenticity.
The Cast Behind ‘Chad Powers’
The lead role of Russ Holliday, who becomes Chad Powers, is played by Glen Powell. Perry Mattfeld stars as Ricky, the assistant coach and possible romantic interest. Head Coach Hudson and Ricky’s father is portrayed by Steve Zahn, whose experience and authenticity add depth to the show. The supporting cast brings life to the South Georgia Catfish football team and their world, blending sports action with character-driven drama and comedy.
Chad Powers is available to stream on Hulu.
