When Hollywood meets the hard-hitting world of professional football, magic happens - and actor Glen Powell got a front-row seat to the action. The rising star recently opened up about his transformative experience filming Hulu's upcoming sports drama 'Chad Powers,' where he found himself sharing the field with actual NFL players.
An Immersive Football Bootcamp
"It felt very immersive," Powell revealed, describing the unique challenge of acting alongside professional athletes. Rather than facing stunt doubles or actors, Powell found himself going head-to-head with real NFL talent, creating an authenticity that simply can't be replicated.
The experience proved to be both intimidating and exhilarating for the actor. "When you're across from someone who's actually played at the highest level, it changes everything about your performance," Powell explained. The physicality and intensity brought by the professional players forced him to raise his game - both literally and figuratively.
Beyond Acting: Becoming an Athlete
To prepare for the role, Powell underwent extensive training to convincingly portray a football player. However, no amount of preparation could fully ready him for the reality of facing off against NFL-caliber athletes.
"There's a certain speed, power, and instinct that these players have that you can't fake," Powell noted. The authenticity of the experience pushed him to new limits, transforming what could have been just another acting job into what he describes as a "genuine athletic experience."
What to Expect from 'Chad Powers'
The Hulu original promises to deliver one of the most authentic football stories ever brought to screen. With real NFL players integrated into the cast, viewers can expect:
- Gritty, realistic football sequences
- Authentic player interactions and dynamics
- A behind-the-scenes look at football culture
- Glen Powell's most physically demanding role to date
Powell's experience highlights a growing trend in sports entertainment where authenticity takes center stage. By incorporating real athletes into key scenes, 'Chad Powers' aims to capture the raw intensity and emotional depth of professional football in a way that resonates with both sports enthusiasts and general audiences.
The series represents another milestone in Powell's rapidly ascending career, showcasing his commitment to fully embodying each character he portrays - even if it means getting knocked around by professional athletes.