Tom Cruise Advises Glen Powell on Prosthetics for Hulu Series 'Chad Powers'

Glen Powell, star of the upcoming Hulu series "Chad Powers," credits Tom Cruise for providing invaluable guidance on using prosthetic makeup for his role as Russ Holliday, a disgraced quarterback who goes undercover as Chad Powers. Drawing on Cruise's experience with heavy prosthetics for his iconic character Les Grossman in "Tropic Thunder," Powell sought Cruise's advice early in the show's production to ensure the makeup was believable and the character convincing. Their professional relationship began during the filming of "Top Gun: Maverick," where Cruise became a mentor to Powell, offering broader career advice beyond acting techniques. Powell emphasized that without the prosthetics working convincingly, the entire premise of the show would fail, highlighting Cruise's crucial behind-the-scenes contribution. The series, executive produced by Powell and the Manning brothers, premieres on Hulu on September 30, and Powell's transformation is central to its success. This collaboration exemplifies the importance of mentorship and practical expertise in the entertainment industry.