Could Eli Manning’s Chad Powers become the next Ted Lasso?
Hollywood is interested in the character after Manning disguised himself as a walk-on quarterback trying out at Penn State.
Move over, Ted Lasso. Here comes Chad Powers.
Eli Manning recently disguised himself as a walk-on quarterback at Penn State. The comedy bit on “Eli’s Places” has been such a hit that Omaha Productions has been approached by Hollywood execs who see Powers as the basis for a scripted “Ted Lasso-type” show, according to TMZ.
Creating a TV program off a sports comedy bit sounds far-fetched.
The 41-year-old Manning is probably far too busy with his “ManningCast” of “Monday Night Football,” his ESPN+ show, and endorsement duties for sponsors to take on a full-time acting role.
But stranger things have happened. Jason Sudeikis first portrayed the “Lasso” character in a series of promotional TV spots for NBC’s Premier League coverage in 2013.
Like Powers, Lasso’s ad buffoon went viral. The critically acclaimed sports comedy-drama “Ted Lasso” was nominated for 20 Emmy Awards in both its first and second seasons on Apple TV+.
“It was a lot of fun. Just the reaction of some of the coaches and players. Looking very confused,” recalled Manning. “They knew something was going on—but couldn’t quite put a handle on it. What’s up with this guy? What’s going on? So they asked a lot of questions trying to figure it out. I got to make up more stories—and create the legend of Chad Powers. So it was a really fun episode. I’m glad a lot of people enjoyed it.”
For now, Manning’s alter ego lives on.
Older brother Peyton Manning teased Eli Manning about the character’s hair and nose on the “ManningCast.”
After Manning zinged Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday night’s “ManningCast,” Wilson jokingly countered: “I’m 3-0 against Chad Powers.”
The fast-growing Omaha has filed trademark applications for “Chad Powers” and “Think Fast. Run Fast.” The entertainment company boasts multiple revenue streams from unscripted TV, scripted TV, documentaries, live events, and branded content. So Omaha has plenty of options to monetize the character.