Tom Cruise Mentors Glen Powell on Prosthetic Makeup for New Hulu Series

Glen Powell sought expert advice for his upcoming Hulu series, “Chad Powers.” He turned to his friend and mentor, Tom Cruise. The new show required a significant physical transformation for Powell’s character.

The actor needed convincing prosthetic makeup to play a disgraced quarterback in disguise. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cruise provided crucial guidance based on his own experience.

Navigating the Complexities of Character Prosthetics

Powell plays Russ Holliday, a quarterback who adopts the alias Chad Powers. The character’s disguise is central to the show’s plot. Making the prosthetics believable was a major challenge.

Powell called Cruise his “first call” for advice. Cruise famously used extensive prosthetics to play Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder.” His experience helped Powell avoid common pitfalls in the process.

The goal was to ensure audiences completely believe the character is real. If the makeup fails, the entire premise of the show falls apart. Cruise pointed the team toward the right creative and technical solutions.

A Lasting Mentor Relationship Forged on Set

The professional relationship between Powell and Cruise began on “Top Gun: Maverick.” Cruise has since become a significant mentor to the younger actor. This guidance extends beyond just acting techniques.

Powell has previously shared that Cruise advises on managing fame and career choices. He even keeps an “icon wisdom” journal with insights from Cruise. This mentorship now directly influences the production of “Chad Powers.”

The series is executive produced by Powell, Eli Manning, and Peyton Manning. It premieres on Hulu on September 30th. The success of Powell’s transformation will be key to the show’s reception.

Tom Cruise’s behind-the-scenes role was vital for the “Chad Powers” series. His practical advice ensures a believable character transformation for Glen Powell. This collaboration highlights the importance of industry mentorship.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What is the new Glen Powell Hulu series about?

The series, titled “Chad Powers,” follows a disgraced quarterback named Russ Holliday. He goes undercover with a new identity to get a second chance at playing college football. The show is based on a popular ESPN spoof video featuring Eli Manning.

Q2: How did Tom Cruise help Glen Powell?

Cruise advised Powell on the use of prosthetic makeup for his character. He shared lessons from his own experience playing Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder.” This guidance helped the team create a believable disguise for the show.

Q3: When does the Chad Powers series premiere?

“Chad Powers” premieres on Hulu on September 30. The first two episodes will be available on that date. New episodes will then be released weekly every Tuesday.

Q4: Who else is producing the show?

Glen Powell is an executive producer alongside co-creator Michael Waldron. Football legends Eli Manning and Peyton Manning are also executive producers. The cast includes actors like Steve Zahn and Perry Mattfeld.

Q5: Why was Tom Cruise’s advice so important?

Creating a prosthetic look that audiences fully accept is difficult. Cruise’s experience was a valuable resource for avoiding mistakes. His input ensured the character’s disguise would be convincing enough for the show’s premise to work.