Fall Out Boy Taps Glen Powell After Viral SNL Performance

Glen Powell garnered widespread attention after his standout appearance on Saturday Night Live, captivating both viewers and celebrities, including Fall Out Boy. The actor, now well known for his role in The Running Man, demonstrated his array of talents during the SNL episode aired on November 15, fueling excitement around his career high and the buzz surrounding Powell’s SNL performance.

Versatility on Display at Saturday Night Live

During his hosting stint, Powell displayed much more than comedy. In the promotional segments, he was seen dancing enthusiastically, while the live show featured his skillful handling of various accents, portraying a lively member of the Bob Army, and impressing the audience with a spot-on Sebastian Maniscalco impression. These diverse performances highlighted Powell’s appeal to a broad audience, setting the stage for a memorable show.

Reflecting on His Acting Journey and Viral Moment

The SNL monologue brought Powell’s journey into the spotlight, as he discussed his beginnings and the narrative that he burst onto the scene unexpectedly after early roles, such as “long-fingered boy” in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. Having appeared in over two dozen films—including notable titles like Hidden Figures, Top Gun: Maverick, and the romantic comedy Anyone But You—Powell took a moment to address misconceptions about his sudden rise.

Glen Powell
Image of: Glen Powell

“And that’s just not true. I started acting when I was 10 in Austin, Texas,”

Powell told the audience.

“I did student films, local commercials, internet safety videos… Even when I was a teen I directed some of my own films. They were a little experimental, emotionally nuanced. I was watching a lot of French new wave at the time. I think you’ll see the influence,”

he explained.

Reimagining Fall Out Boy’s Breakout Hit on SNL

A major highlight came when Powell unveiled his homemade video for Fall Out Boy’s 2005 song “Sugar, We’re Goin Down.” In this segment, he was seen sprinting down a street, singing emotionally with the line

“is this more than you bargained for”

while wearing a sailor hat and staring pensively at a lakeside backdrop. The performance quickly grabbed attention for its humor and energy.

Fall Out Boy and Fans Respond Enthusiastically

The band took notice and responded the next day. Sharing the SNL clip online, Fall Out Boy asked,

“want to direct the next fob music video @glenpowell?”

on their social media accounts, signaling genuine enthusiasm for a possible collaboration. The online community also rallied behind the idea, with one fan writing,

“Okay guys now have him upload the full thing!”

and another exclaiming,

“God Glen Powell f–king rules. I just keep finding reasons to love this dude.”

Fall Out Boy, whose album So Much (for) Stardust was released in March 2023, seemed eager to explore new creative partnerships.

Possible Collaboration and Industry Impact

Glen Powell’s SNL performance, particularly his creative take on Fall Out Boy’s hit, has sparked the possibility of a unique collaboration between the actor and the band. With both fans and musicians excited about what might come next, this viral moment could mark the beginning of a fresh, cross-industry project. The event underscores the power of live television to forge unexpected connections, drawing in supporters from across entertainment and music.