‘Chad Powers’ First Look: Glen Powell Looks a Whole Lot Like Tom Cruise in College Football Comedy Series
Glen Powell is the big man on campus once again.
After starring as a college student in “Everybody Wants Some!!” and later as a college professor in “Hit Man,” both directed by Richard Linklater, Powell is now going quasi-undercover as a college quarterback for Hulu comedy series “Chad Powers.”
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Powell, who recently co-wrote “Hit Man” with Linklater, is the co-creator, co-writer, executive producer, and lead star of “Chad Powers,” which is inspired by Eli Manning’s former sketch series. Powell co-created the half-hour Hulu comedy with Michael Waldron, who also executive produces. Powell and Waldron co-wrote the pilot episode.
The logline reads: “When bad behavior nukes hotshot QB Russ Holliday’s college career, he disguises himself and walks onto a struggling Southern football team as the talented, affable Chad Powers.”
And the Chad Powers look includes Powell donning a prosthetic to be eerily similar to his “Top Gun” co-star and public mentor Tom Cruise. Check it out for yourself above…
Manning serves as an executive producer along with Omaha Productions’ Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ben Brown, and ESPN. “Chad Powers” is based on the sketch produced by NFL Films and Omaha Productions that aired on ESPN+ as part of the “Eli’s Places” series.
Waldron and Adam Fasullo are executive producing for Anomaly Pictures. Luvh Rakhe will executive produce and Tony Yacenda will serve as director and executive producer. The 20th Television show is created under Powell’s production co-banner Barnstorm Productions.
The series was announced in early 2024.
“We’re both diehard college football fans. When we saw Eli as Chad Powers, we knew that was the way into a big, fun story about this world,” Powell said in a joint statement with series co-creator Waldron. “We’re excited to be part of this team, and can’t wait to get Chad in the game. Think fast, run fast.”
Manning added at the time, “The love for Chad Powers has surprised me in spectacular ways. I played 16 years in the NFL, but now when I’m in a restaurant or walking through an airport, it’s not uncommon for fans to scream, ‘Hey Chad!’ I’m so excited to team up with my friends Glen Powell, Michael Waldron and Omaha Productions to continue to tell the Chad Powers story and see what he does next.”
“Chad Powers” has officially started production and premieres at a later date.
In addition to his return to TV after starring in “Scream Queens,” Powell confirmed that “Top Gun 3” is in the works. While on the “Today” show, Powell teased that the third installment would be “happening at some point.”
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