Steve Zahn ‘Broke’ Character Seeing Glen Powell in Prosthetics for ‘Chad Powers’
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Steve Zahn shared his experiences while filming the Hulu sports comedy series Chad Powers with co-star Glen Powell. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a former college quarterback who decides to make a comeback by disguising himself as Chad Powers, a walk-on player for a struggling college team. Powell’s transformation for the role involved wearing a shaggy wig, mustache, and various prosthetics to alter his appearance.
Zahn, who plays the team’s coach in the series, admitted that he often struggled to stay in character when working alongside Powell in his Chad Powers disguise. The actor praised Powell’s performance, describing it as “remarkable” and highlighting his talent as both an actor and a human being.
The White Lotus star, aged 57, expressed his admiration for Powell’s commitment to the role and the unique challenges he faced while embodying Chad Powers. Powell co-created the series with Michael Waldron, and Zahn initially questioned how they would successfully bring the character and the football elements to life on screen.
Despite initial doubts, Zahn commended the show’s execution, expressing his confidence that Chad Powers would be well-received by audiences. The series is set to premiere on Hulu on September 30, and Zahn’s portrayal of Coach Jake Hudson is a result of his dedication to understanding the complexities of a coach’s role through shadowing a real-life football coach.
Chad Powers is inspired by a 2002 video featuring former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, who goes undercover at a college football team’s walk-on tryouts. Manning, along with his brother Peyton Manning, serves as an executive producer on the series. Powell’s commitment to honouring Manning’s legacy was evident during his appearance on The Eli Manning Show in 2024.
Powell’s impressive transformation for Chad Powers, along with the star-studded cast including Toby Huss, Perry Mattfeld, and Wynn Everett, promises an entertaining and engaging viewing experience for audiences. The series is a blend of comedy and sports drama, combining elements of humour with themes of redemption and second chances.
As the premiere date approaches, the buzz surrounding Chad Powers continues to grow, with fans eager to see Powell’s portrayal of the titular character. Zahn’s glowing praise for Powell’s performance and the overall quality of the series bodes well for its success, and audiences can expect a thrilling and heartfelt journey as Chad Powers navigates his way through the world of college football.