The entertainment world has been buzzing since the Chad Powers trailer made its explosive debut on ESPN’s College GameDay, showcasing Glen Powell in a transformation so complete it has left fans doing double-takes. The Hulu original series, inspired by Eli Manning’s viral undercover football experiment, promises to deliver both laughs and genuine football action when it premieres September 30, 2025, with Powell completely unrecognizable beneath layers of prosthetics and makeup.
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Chad Powers Trailer Release and Reception
The Chad Powers trailer premiered in spectacular fashion during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast, with Glen Powell himself making a special appearance to introduce the footage to football fans nationwide.
The strategic timing couldn’t have been better, coinciding perfectly with the college football season and generating immediate buzz across social media platforms.
Trailer Release Details | Information |
---|---|
Debut Platform | ESPN College GameDay |
Release Date | August 30, 2025 |
Series Premiere | September 30, 2025 |
Episode Schedule | Two episodes launch, then weekly |
Total Episodes | Six episodes |
The trailer’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising Powell’s commitment to the physical transformation and the authentic football atmosphere captured throughout the preview footage.
Glen Powell’s Remarkable Physical Transformation
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Chad Powers trailer is Glen Powell’s complete physical metamorphosis into the titular character. Through extensive prosthetics, makeup, and a distinctive vocal transformation, Powell becomes virtually unrecognizable as Chad Powers, the alter ego of disgraced quarterback Russ Holliday.
Entertainment critics have noted Powell’s vocal work as particularly impressive, with some describing his Chad Powers voice as having a distinctive nasal quality that fits perfectly with the character’s awkward persona. The actor’s commitment extends beyond just physical appearance, encompassing body language, speech patterns, and mannerisms that create a completely believable separate identity.
Physical Transformation Elements
Transformation Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Prosthetics | Extensive facial prosthetics |
Makeup | Complete facial restructuring |
Voice Work | Distinctive nasal accent |
Body Language | New posture and mannerisms |
Costume Design | Period-appropriate football gear |
The transformation draws clear inspiration from classic comedy films like “Mrs. Doubtfire,” with Powell himself referencing the Robin Williams classic in the trailer when he describes his plan as “a Mrs. Doubtfire, but with football.”
Series Origin and Manning Brothers Connection
The Chad Powers concept originated from a beloved segment in Eli Manning’s documentary series “Eli’s Places,” where the former NFL quarterback went undercover at Penn State University’s football tryouts. The viral success of Manning’s original Chad Powers character caught the attention of both audiences and industry professionals, leading to this full-scale series adaptation.
Both Eli and Peyton Manning serve as executive producers on the project through their Omaha Productions banner, bringing authentic NFL expertise to the comedy series. Their involvement ensures the football elements maintain credibility while supporting the comedic storyline.
Plot and Character Development
The Chad Powers trailer reveals a compelling redemption story at the series’ core. Glen Powell plays Russ Holliday, a once-promising Oregon quarterback whose career was destroyed eight years earlier by a catastrophic showboating mistake during a championship game. The trailer shows Holliday dropping the ball just before crossing the goal line while celebrating prematurely, allowing Georgia to recover and win the game.
Now seeking redemption, Holliday creates the Chad Powers persona and attempts to walk onto the struggling South Georgia Catfish football team. The premise combines physical comedy with genuine emotional stakes as the character pursues a second chance at his football dreams.
Key Character Dynamics
Character | Actor | Role |
---|---|---|
Russ Holliday/Chad Powers | Glen Powell | Protagonist quarterback |
Ricky | Perry Mattfeld | Love interest |
Coach Jake Hudson | Steve Zahn | Head coach |
Coach Byrd | Quentin Plair | Assistant coach |
Danny | Frankie A. Rodriguez | Team member |
Production Team and Creative Vision
The series represents a collaboration between Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, with Powell serving as co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer while also starring in the lead role. Waldron brings significant credentials to the project, having created “Loki” for Disney+ and written “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Tony Yacenda directs the series, bringing his experience from projects that blend comedy with authentic sporting elements. The production benefits from ESPN’s involvement, ensuring access to genuine football environments and expertise.
Production Credits
Role | Key Personnel |
---|---|
Co-Creators | Glen Powell, Michael Waldron |
Director | Tony Yacenda |
Executive Producers | Manning Brothers, Powell, Waldron |
Production Company | Barnstorm Productions, Anomaly Pictures |
Network | Hulu/Disney+ |
Release Schedule and Viewing Information
Chad Powers will debut on Hulu with a special two-episode premiere on September 30, 2025. Following the launch, new episodes will stream weekly on Tuesdays, maintaining audience engagement throughout the fall television season.
The six-episode format allows for focused storytelling while providing enough content to fully develop the characters and explore the comedic potential of the premise. The timing aligns perfectly with both NFL and college football seasons, maximizing audience interest in football-themed content.
Glen Powell’s Career Trajectory
This series represents another significant milestone in Glen Powell’s rapidly ascending career. Following breakout roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Hit Man,” Powell continues to diversify his portfolio while maintaining his Texas roots and love for football culture.
Powell’s involvement extends beyond acting, with the star taking on multiple production roles that demonstrate his growing influence in Hollywood. His co-creation of Chad Powers showcases his ability to develop original content that combines his personal interests with commercial appeal.
Critical and Fan Response
Early reactions to the Chad Powers trailer have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising both the physical comedy elements and the authentic football atmosphere. Fans particularly appreciate Powell’s commitment to the transformation and the series’ respectful approach to football culture.
Social media responses have highlighted the trailer’s successful balance between broad physical comedy and more subtle character moments, suggesting the series may appeal to both comedy enthusiasts and sports fans.
Cultural Impact and Football Authenticity
The series arrives at a time when football-themed entertainment continues to resonate with audiences across multiple demographics. The authentic football elements, supported by the Manning brothers’ involvement and ESPN’s partnership, provide credibility that elevates the comedy beyond simple parody.
The show’s approach to football culture appears respectful while still finding humor in the intense world of college athletics. This balance could prove crucial for the series’ success with both comedy and sports audiences.
Future Implications and Potential
The Chad Powers trailer suggests this series could establish a new template for sports-comedy television, combining authentic athletic elements with character-driven humor. Powell’s multi-faceted involvement positions him as a significant creative force in Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
If successful, the series could potentially spawn additional seasons or inspire similar projects that blend sports authenticity with comedic storytelling. The strong production pedigree and network support provide a solid foundation for long-term success.
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FAQs
When does the Chad Powers trailer officially release?
The Chad Powers trailer debuted on August 30, 2025, during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast, with Glen Powell making a special appearance to introduce the footage.
How does Glen Powell look so different as Chad Powers?
Powell undergoes an extensive physical transformation using prosthetics, makeup, and adopting a completely different vocal style and body language to create the Chad Powers character.
When will Chad Powers premiere on Hulu?
Chad Powers premieres September 30, 2025, with two episodes launching simultaneously, followed by weekly releases on Tuesdays for the remaining four episodes.
What is the connection between Chad Powers and Eli Manning?
The series is inspired by Eli Manning’s viral “Eli’s Places” segment where he went undercover as Chad Powers during Penn State football tryouts. Both Eli and Peyton Manning serve as executive producers.
How many episodes will Chad Powers have?
Chad Powers is a six-episode limited series, with the complete season airing over three weeks starting September 30, 2025.