Glen Powell, known for his roles in blockbuster hits like Top Gun: Maverick, has made it clear that he is stepping away from Glen Powell superhero roles in favor of more realistic characters. Currently starring in Chad Powers, a football comedy series he co-created with Michael Waldron, Powell is embracing complex, relatable portrayals rather than chasing typical superhero parts.
Chad Powers follows the story of a down-and-out football player who finds renewed purpose through adopting a new identity and using prosthetics to reinvent himself on the field. Comparing his character to a famous crime-fighter who operates by night, Powell highlighted the contrast between superhero fantasy and his current role grounded in everyday struggles.
Exploring Superhero Themes Through a Different Lens
In discussing Chad Powers, Powell revealed the show’s inspiration rooted in superhero storytelling but with a twist.
“Michael Waldron and I created Chad Powers, and we always conceptualized that as a superhero story,”
Powell said.
“There’s very much a Batman/Bruce Wayne thing going on there. There’s the super version of you and then there’s sort of the version that you can kind of hide from the world.”
However, Powell’s interest in comic book heroes remains limited, as his focus lies more in layered, emotional narratives.
Though renowned superhero stories often feature secret identities and dual lives, Powell confessed that he is not pursuing any particular superhero role.
“I love the duality of superhero stories. I love the idea of secret identities. I love all that, but I can’t say that there’s one superhero in particular I’m chasing,”
he admitted.
“Look, the thing about superhero stories that I’ve always loved is it’s like the early days of something, building something.”
Why Glen Powell Is Turning Away from Costumed Heroes
Despite fan interest connecting him to Marvel and DC characters, Powell feels a disconnect with the typical superhero persona. He explained,
“I don’t feel, as a person, like a superhero. Once someone becomes super, I sort of kind of tend to no longer feel, I don’t know, the same emotional connection.”
This stance clarifies his preference for roles with more human depth, away from the extraordinary abilities and mythic qualities found in superhero films.
Powell’s career has flourished with grounded yet dynamic roles, such as his memorable performance in Top Gun: Maverick and his upcoming starring role alongside Tom Cruise in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, set to hit theaters on November 14. These projects emphasize authentic physicality and character development over flashy heroism.
Future Possibilities and Industry Context
While Powell’s current projects do not include superhero roles, speculation has surrounded his potential casting as Richard Rider, also known as Nova, a cosmic hero from Marvel’s Nova Corps. Michael Waldron, who co-created Chad Powers with Powell, mentioned that this role would suit the actor well. However, with recent delays and halts to the planned Nova series, such an opportunity appears unlikely in the near future.
For now, Powell remains focused on exploring characters grounded in reality, portraying individuals facing tangible challenges rather than fantastical ones. His current work, including Chad Powers on Hulu, showcases his dedication to storytelling that blends humor, heart, and grit. Fans will have the chance to see him bring that realism and intensity to The Running Man later this year.
