Glen Powell’s latest project, the comedy series Chad Powers, began as a playful nod to a real-life prank but has evolved into a show that tackles deeper themes of redemption and accountability. Premiering on Disney+, the series features Powell as Russ Holliday, a disgraced college quarterback seeking to reclaim his former glory through an elaborate disguise and a new identity.
The show centers on Holliday, who, after derailing his team’s championship hopes at the University of Oregon, adopts the persona of Chad Powers, complete with prosthetics and a wig. Under the watchful eye of Coach Hudson, played by Steve Zahn, and his daughter Ricky, portrayed by Perry Mattfeld, Holliday attempts to navigate the challenges of a comeback in college football.
Powell reflects on the show’s core message, emphasizing the importance of accountability. “There’s always an interesting thing when you look at people that have made a mistake,” he stated during a recent interview. “I think half of what we probably don’t do nowadays is just say, ‘I’m sorry’. You know, take accountability for things.” He believes that society often holds individuals to their past mistakes, leaving little room for redemption.
The idea for Chad Powers originated from a prank conducted by former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, who donned a disguise to infiltrate a college football tryout. This viral moment inspired the creation of the series, which Powell co-developed with Michael Waldron, a writer known for his work on Loki.
“It seems like a ridiculous idea,” Powell remarked, “but one of the things that I really responded to in the original sketch was that I knew it was Eli Manning under that mask, and everybody else is not really in on the lie.” He highlighted how college football teams comprise diverse personalities, all united by a common goal—winning.
The series is reminiscent of the successful show Ted Lasso, which also began as a promotional skit and evolved into a beloved comedy about sports and human connection. Powell notes that discussions with former athletes revealed a universal longing to relive past sporting experiences. “There is not one person I asked that their eyes didn’t absolutely light up with just the thought of it,” he shared.
In Chad Powers, the narrative extends beyond the comedic premise. Zahn’s character, Coach Hudson, grapples with personal challenges, including a strained marriage and his relationship with his daughter. Zahn describes his role as the heart of the show, where the absurdity of Holliday’s antics is balanced by genuine human emotions. “There’s real-deal stuff happening in this show,” he explained.
The series invites viewers to consider the fragility of personal passions, not limited to sports. As Powell concludes, “The vulnerability of loving something that can be taken away from you at any given time, that’s a universal element that’s not just isolated to sports, you know? I think we all feel that fragility.”
Chad Powers is now available for streaming on Disney+. The show not only delivers laughs but also encourages audiences to reflect on their own journeys of redemption and the possibility of second chances.
