Tom Cruise has once again shown his unwavering support for his friend and fellow actor, Glen Powell. When Powell landed the role of Chad Powers in the upcoming Hulu series of the same name, he found himself needing guidance on perfecting the prosthetic makeup essential for his character transformation. Without hesitation, Powell reached out to Cruise, known for his iconic physical transformation into Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder” with the help of special effects makeup.
In the six-episode Hulu series, Powell portrays Russ Holliday, a disgraced quarterback who assumes the guise of Chad Powers in a bid for a second chance at football. Cruise, having gone through a similar experience, provided invaluable advice to ensure the prosthetics were both realistic and effective. According to Powell, Cruise helped steer the project in the right direction, emphasizing the importance of making the character believable to the audience.
Powell’s relationship with Cruise, which started during the filming of “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022, has grown into a mentorship. Although Powell initially auditioned for the role of Rooster in the film, Cruise persuaded him to take on the role of Hangman, demonstrating how great roles can be made exceptional with dedication and the right approach. This guidance left a significant impact on Powell and even made its way into his “icon wisdom” journal.
Powell also drew on Cruise’s guidance when faced with media speculation about an on-set romance while promoting the 2023 romantic comedy “Anyone but You” alongside Sydney Sweeney. Cruise had once advised him about handling public attention, suggesting, “The world’s going to become really loud, and it’s your decision how much you turn up or down the volume,” which Powell took to heart.
In addition to starring in “Chad Powers,” Powell is also an executive producer and co-creator of the series, collaborating with Michael Waldron. The series also has notable producers involved, including Eli and Peyton Manning. The diverse cast includes Perry Mattfeld, Steve Zahn, and others, and is set to premiere on Hulu on September 30 with two initial episodes, followed by weekly releases on Tuesdays.
This collaboration highlights the supportive bond between Cruise and Powell, demonstrating not only a shared passion for their craft but also the importance of mentorship and friendship in the entertainment industry. Such relationships not only enhance individual projects but also contribute positively to the personal growth and development of artists.