Glen Powell to Star in 'Chad Powers' TV Series, Eli Manning Responds

He couldn't usurp Maverick so now he's going after Manning.

A Thursday report from Joe Otterson of Variety revealed that "Top Gun: Maverick" star Glen Powell will take over the role of "Chad Powers" from Eli Manning for a half-hour comedy series set to stream on Hulu.

Powers is a character originated by Manning, the former New York Giants quarterback. Manning donned a wig, facial prosthetics, and a fake mustache in a humorous attempt to walk onto Penn State University's football team in a segment for his ESPN+ series "Eli's Places," which sees the two-time Super Bowl champion (and Super Bowl MVP) roam the country to take in various college football haunts and traditions.

In an X post, Manning recalled Powell's role in the well-received sequel to the Tom Cruise fighter pilot film "Top Gun" upon the reveal of the news. The Big Blue legend seemed playfully perturbed by the idea of Powell taking over the role if his response to a football scene in "Maverick" is any indication.

"I hope Glen is working on his QB skills," Manning said. "I saw him throw a football in Maverick…he has some work to do!!"

Manning does appear to have at least some faith in Powell, as he's set to serve as executive producer for the series alongside his older brother and fellow champion Peyton under the Omaha Productions banner. That confidence has been well-earned, as Powell has recently received positive reviews for his leading role in "Anyone But You," an original romantic comedy co-starring Sydney Sweeney.

Powell, set to star in "Twisters" later this summer (a sequel to the Bill Paxton/Helen Hunt disaster film "Twister"), will write the pilot alongside Michael Waldron, who is perhaps best known for his contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Waldron is credited as the creator of the Disney+ series "Loki" and the writer of the feature film "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

Related: Former Giants QB Eli Manning Praises New York Mentor Derek Jeter

"The love for Chad Powers has surprised me in spectacular ways,” Manning said in a statement obtained by Variety. “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!’

"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.”