Glen Powell tackles comedy in Hulu's Chad Powers: A touchdown in storytelling

Hit Man. Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in Hit Man. Cr. Matt Lankes / Netflix © 2024
Hit Man. Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in Hit Man. Cr. Matt Lankes / Netflix © 2024

Glen Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Set It Up, is gearing up to make Hulu audiences laugh in Chad Powers, a new comedy series Michael Waldron and he co-created. It promises a blend of sports and humor as it follows Russ Holliday, a college quarterback turned NFL hopeful whose antics force him to adopt a new identity to reignite his career.

It will premiere in the fall of 2025 and will be similar to other underdog tales like Ted Lasso but will likely stand alone in tone and personality. Powell’s character, Holliday, disguises himself as “Chad Powers” to join a struggling Southern football team. The disguise is ridiculous, and the show explores themes of teamwork, second chances, and more.

A dynamic cast and familiar faces

Besides Glen Powell, several other wonderful actors are sharing the screen, including Steve Zahn (The White Lotus), Wynn Everett (Agent Carter), Perry Mattfeld (In the Dark), Quentin Plair (Welcome to Chippendales), and Frankie A. Rodriguez (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series).

The Manning brothers, Eli and Peyton, who inspired the series through a 2022 ESPN+ sketch, are also on board as executive producers.

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Why this could be Hulu’s next big hit

Chad Powers will likely resonate with a broad audience, appealing not just to sports fans but also to those who enjoy character-driven comedies with a touch of absurdity. What sets Chad Powers apart is its unique twist: a disgraced quarterback using a ridiculous disguise to stage a comeback.

Sports comedies have a universal appeal, blending high-energy moments with heartfelt character arcs, and Chad Powers is likely to follow in this tradition. Glen Powell has been steadily climbing the Hollywood ladder with standout performances, and many believe this will continue with his comedic roles.

Behind the scenes, Chad Powers boasts an impressive creative team. Michael Waldron, co-creator of the series, has already made waves with his work on Loki and Rick and Morty (which you can watch on Hulu). Waldron’s knack for being funny without losing the story ensures that Chad Powers will be as emotionally resonant as it is laugh-out-loud funny.

The involvement of Eli and Peyton Manning as executive producers adds an authentic sports perspective, grounding the comedic premise with realistic details. Their NFL experience lends credibility to the story while drawing in sports fans eager to see a unique take on football life.

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