From Gridiron to Giggles: Glen Powell Stars in ‘Chad Powers’ Trailer

Glen Powell steps into the spotlight in Hulu’s upcoming six-episode comedy series Chad Powers, premiering September 30, 2025. The show offers a fresh twist on the sports comedy genre, blending humor, heart, and a reluctant redemption arc centered on a disgraced college quarterback who adopts a new identity to reignite his football career.

A Tale of Second Chances and New Beginnings

Chad Powers follows Russ Holliday, a former college football phenom whose career was destroyed by a scandal—an "unforgivable mistake." Rather than fade quietly, Russ reinvents himself as the titular Chad Powers, a fictional persona inspired by a viral ESPN series prank created by football legend Eli Manning.

Disguised and determined, Russ walks onto the South Georgia Catfish, a struggling college football team, aiming for a comeback under a new identity. The narrative explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and the desire to reclaim lost glory with comedic undertones.

Glen Powell’s Transformative Performance

 

Powell is almost unrecognizable in the role, fully embracing the persona of Chad Powers. His portrayal combines affable charm with moments of vulnerability and self-awareness, highlighting Russ’s evolving self-perception. In the trailer, viewers get glimpses of comedic mishaps—such as struggling to maintain the disguise—as well as earnest moments showing Russ confronting his past mistakes.

Critics anticipate Powell’s performance as a career highlight, balancing comedy with emotional depth that grounds the show beyond a typical sports story.

Ensemble Cast and Supporting Characters

The show also features a strong supporting cast that adds dimension and humor. Steve Zahn plays Jake Hudson, the coach of the South Georgia Catfish, who is both impressed and baffled by Chad’s antics, calling him “a puzzle.” Other cast members include Perry Mattfeld as Ricky, Wynn Everett as Tricia, and Frankie A. Rodriguez as Danny, who round out the team dynamics and off-field storylines.

The series blends sport with quirky college life, friendships, and personal growth, ensuring broad appeal beyond just football fans.

Produced and Inspired by Football Greats

Chad Powers benefits from the creative influence of NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning, who serve as executive producers. The series is inspired by Eli Manning's unscripted ESPN show Eli’s Places, where the Chad Powers character originated as a prank infiltrating open football tryouts.

This background lends authenticity to football-related scenes and humor, tapping into the world of college sports with insider insight while keeping the tone light and entertaining.

Release and Format

Premiering exclusively on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+, the show will launch with the first two episodes available on September 30, followed by weekly releases. With only six episodes planned for this first season, it allows for a tightly crafted story that builds character arcs and comedic setups without filler.

The series is produced by 20th Television, boasting high production values and a polished visual style that balances action-packed sports sequences with intimate character moments.

Audience Expectations and Potential

Chad Powers promises to entertain viewers with a charming underdog story peppered with football excitement and college life humor. The combination of Glen Powell’s magnetic performance and the creative pedigree of the Mannings sets it apart as a standout in new TV comedies of 2025.

While rooted in sports culture, the show explores broader themes of reinvention, identity, and redemption, making it relatable to anyone who’s faced setbacks and hopes for a second chance.

Summary

Glen Powell’s Chad Powers is a compelling and humorous take on a disgraced college quarterback’s quest for redemption under a new identity. Executive produced by football legends Peyton and Eli Manning, the Hulu comedy series blends sports, heart, and laughter in a fresh, engaging format. Premiering September 30, it invites viewers into a world where football dreams meet the complexities of personal growth and second chances.Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas has officially set sail as the world’s largest cruise ship, offering passengers an unrivaled vacation experience akin to a floating city. From its iconic flying DeLorean featured in a full-scale Back to the Future musical to the presence of Sailor, a 6-month-old golden retriever serving as the ship’s second Chief Dog Officer, the Star of the Seas promises to deliver extraordinary adventures at sea.

A New Standard in Cruise Entertainment

Among the ship’s standout attractions is the immersive Back to the Future musical, featuring a life-sized flying DeLorean that captivates audiences with nostalgic charm. Beyond theatrical performances, guests can enjoy a wide array of entertainment options, from the dynamic Torque water show in the AquaDome to the thrilling Sol ice-skating show, blending aquatic displays with graceful artistry. These offerings epitomize Royal Caribbean’s dedication to delivering fresh and engaging experiences that transcend traditional cruising.

Unmatched Size and Capacity

With a massive gross tonnage nearing 249,000 and stretching 364.83 meters long, Star of the Seas edges out its sister ship Icon of the Seas by just a few inches. It houses 2,805 staterooms across 20 decks and can accommodate an impressive 7,600 passengers, along with a crew of 2,350. This scale enables the ship to provide expansive amenities including 40 bars and restaurants, 10 hot tubs, seven pools, and six waterslides, creating an environment filled with non-stop activities and relaxation options.

Introducing the ‘Vacation Company’ Vision

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s president and CEO, describes Star of the Seas as a cornerstone in the company’s evolution from a pure cruise operator to a comprehensive vacation company. This strategy incorporates not only onboard amenities but also exclusive land-based experiences like the private Perfect Day at Coco Cay island. Bayley emphasizes that the new class of ships and destinations reflect a transformative shift in how vacationers experience leisure — creating “a brand-new collection of experiences” beyond traditional cruising.

Pricing and Itinerary

Seven-night cruises aboard Star of the Seas depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting Caribbean hotspots including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination Coco Cay, St. Thomas, and other eastern Caribbean ports. Prices range from around $1,272 per person for interior cabins up to $5,938 per person for luxury suites, providing options for various budgets and preferences.

Industry Competition and Innovations

The cruise industry is engaged in a dynamic race for scale and innovation. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua ship features the first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea. Disney will soon debut the Marvel-themed Destiny, and MSC Cruises aims to capture more U.S. travelers with the new World America ship. Meanwhile, Carnival opened its 65-acre private destination Celebration Key, fueling the competitive push. Royal Caribbean plans to continue its growth with upcoming projects like the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island and the next Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas embodies the future of cruising, transforming the ocean voyage into a multi-dimensional vacation experience. With grand entertainment, world-class amenities, and visionary concepts, it sets a new benchmark for luxury and fun at sea, promising unforgettable memories for all who embark.