Tom Cruise Guides Glen Powell Through Prosthetic Transformation for Hulu’s ‘Chad Powers’

Drawing from his own experience as Les Grossman, Cruise advises Powell on mastering prosthetics to ensure authenticity in the upcoming comedy series

Glen Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, has turned to Tom Cruise for guidance on his latest project, Hulu’s upcoming comedy series Chad Powers. In the six-episode series, Powell portrays Russ Holliday, a college quarterback who, after a fall from grace, disguises himself as Chad Powers to secure a spot on a struggling Southern football team. The show draws inspiration from Eli Manning’s 2022 ESPN+ sketch, where Manning donned a similar disguise to try out for Penn State’s football team.

Recognizing the importance of authentic prosthetics, Powell reached out to Cruise, who had undergone a significant transformation for his role as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder. Cruise’s experience proved invaluable; Powell shared that Cruise was extremely helpful in guiding the prosthetics process, ensuring the final result felt believable.

The collaboration between Powell and Cruise began during the production of Top Gun: Maverick, where Cruise not only mentored Powell but also provided guidance on selecting the right roles. Cruise’s advice has continued to influence Powell’s career choices, including his approach to handling media attention and professional challenges.

In addition to acting, Powell co-created and serves as an executive producer for Chad Powers, collaborating with Michael Waldron (Loki, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness). The series also features Steve Zahn, Perry Mattfeld, and is executive produced by Eli and Peyton Manning.

As Powell prepares for the series’ premiere, he continues to draw from Cruise’s mentorship, ensuring that his portrayal of Chad Powers is both authentic and compelling.