Glen Powell has become one of the many popular names in Hollywood, and his upward trajectory continues to surge as 2026 draws near. After joining Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, along with movies like Hitman and Anyone But You, Powell is now set to play the lead role in what he dubbed the “Mrs. Doubtfire of football,” upcoming show Chad Powers.
While Powell gears up to take center stage as a college football quarterback attempting to make a comeback with a fake persona, he recently revealed that this wasn’t his first attempt to join a football show. The 36-year-old actor recently revealed to GQ that he auditioned for the beloved series Friday Night Lights, and the outcome sounds like a brutal result.
Glen Powell Says He Auditioned for ‘Friday Night Lights’ 4 Times
While responding to fans’ comments, Powell was asked to spill any bad auditions or roles he thought he’d get but didn’t. He first admitted to having “more bad auditions” than maybe anyone in Hollywood. Then came one specific audition that he admitted was “really hard.”
“I have had more bad auditions than maybe anyone in Hollywood ever,” Powell said. “You could probably bribe some casting directors to ruin my career.”
“I’ll tell you one that was really hard for me, is when I was growing up in Austin, Texas. Friday Night Lights was one of my favorite shows,” Powell continued. “I auditioned for Friday Night Lights probably four times. I was a Texas football player, I was in high school in Austin, they were shooting in my hometown at the time. And I still couldn’t get on that show. So that was a bit of an ego hit, but still a fan of the show.”
While the original Friday Night Lights ran on NBC and DirecTV from 2006 to 2011, it took fans on a wild ride of emotions, with the fan-favorite head coach, Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler), leading the way.
Although Powell’s end result of a brutal four-audition stretch to get on Friday Night Lights is tough to hear, maybe he can find his way into a role on the show’s reboot. However, the upcoming reboot, which is slated to land on Peacock, features the same showrunner, Jason Katims, and director, Peter Berg, returning as executive producers.
Remember, Glen: Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
Related: Glen Powell’s Perfect Reason Johnny Manziel Inspired His ‘Chad Powers’ Character
