Former Ole Miss QB Eli Manning's Alter Ego 'Chad Powers' Gets Own TV Show On Hulu
Eli Manning is headed to the streaming screen — somewhat.
Manning, the former Ole Miss star quarterback who'd be selected No. 1 overall in 2004, is having his alter ego, Chad Powers, receive its own television series on Hulu. Powers was a fake quarterback who walked on at Penn State as a part of a bit on ESPN.
Powers will now take the field as a legit passer, though Manning's acting won't be on display. Instead, Powers will receive a makeover with "Top Gun: Maverick" actor Glenn Powell taking over the role for the new series.
Omaha Productions
The show will be produced by 20th Television and Omaha Production, the production company owned by Hall of Fame quarterback and brother Peyton. Omaha Productions already has a working relationship with Disney and Disney+ as it produces Eli's ESPN+ series "Eli's Places" and the popular "ManningCast" during Monday Night Football on ESPN.
Manning, who led the New York Giants to a pair of Super Bowls, told Variety Magazine that the character has become a part of his life. Fans have begun to know the two-time Lombardi-winning passer for his time at State College over his heroics in East Rutherford.
"I played 16 years in the NFL, but now when I'm in a restaurant or walking through an airport, it's not uncommon for fans to scream, 'Hey Chad!'" Manning said in a statement. "I'm so excited to team up with my friends Glen Powell, Michael Waldron and Omaha Productions to continue to tell the Chad Powers story and see what he does next."
"Chad Powers" will now be the second major streaming series to be based on a fictional character made for a sports program, joining Apple TV's "Ted Lasso." Lasso was created by comedian Jason Sudeikis after his commercial "An American Coach In London" on NBC went viral in 2013.
"When we saw Eli as Chad Powers, we knew that was the way into a big, fun story about this world," Powell and producer Michael Waldron added in a joint statement to Variety. "We're excited to be part of this team and can't wait to get Chad in the game. Think fast, run fast."
The premise of the show has not been finalized yet, though it is expected to surround Powers as a player for one program as a walk-on. Manning, who will oversee the production, could make a cameo or two throughout the show's run.
Will Oxford be on one of the film locations? One can only hope for their 15 seconds of fame.
