Hot off the success of American Horror Story and Glee, the twisted minds of TV producers Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy, and Ian Brennan birthed a unique creation with the Fox series, Scream Queens, which featured a then mostly unknown Glen Powell. A mix of horror and black comedy with a dash of campy satire, Scream Queens ran for two seasons from 2015- 2016. It starred Emma Roberts as Chanel Oberlin, the It-girl of Wallace University and head of the campus’ biggest sorority, Kappa Kappa Tau. Also featured were Billie Lourd, Keke Palmer, Abigail Breslin, Nick Jonas, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Roberts may have dazzled as Chanel, but Glen Powell was arguably an even bigger scene-stealer. Powell made his acting debut in 2003's Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. From there, he continued to act steadily, notably playing astronaut John Glen in 2015's Hidden Figures. However, it was Powell's role as Hangman in 2022's Top Gun: Maverick that piloted Powell to the top of Hollywood's A-list. The next couple years would see Powell as a leading man Hollywood mainstay, starring in blockbuster hits Anyone But You, Hit Man, and Twisters. But Powell already proved his acting chops in Scream Queens.

Glen Powell Played Frat Boy Chad Radwell In Scream Queens

Chad Is Chanel's Unfaithful Boyfriend

In Scream Queens, Glen Powell is the preppy and arrogant Chad Radwell, Chanel’s boyfriend and member of the elite Dickie Dollar Scholars. Chad is basically Chanel’s boyfriend in name only, and has no qualms about sleeping with other women. However, his indiscriminate choice of partners tends to lead to trouble for him, and everyone else.

Powell is hilarious as Chad, fully leaning into the buffoonery and satire of the larger-than-life character. His portrayal of Chad perfectly matches the campy tone of Scream Queens, which goes to show how in tune Powell was with the show’s creators. Powell's dedication to the role proved that he had the chops to take on just about anything. In one interview with fellow Twisters stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, Powell said he’d love to play Chad again if given the opportunity (via YouTube).

How Powell's Scream Queens Role Shows Up In His Other Performances

Powell Understands The Assignment, Whether As A Romantic Lead Or Storm-Chasing Daredevil

Playing Chad in Scream Queens no doubt helped Glen Powell prepare for the subsequent roles of his acting career. In 2018, Powell garnered the attention of critics with his performance in the Netflix romcom, Set It Up, wherein he established his charisma as a romantic leading man. The actor later impressed producers with his audition for Top Gun: Maverick, and was offered the role of Jake "Hangman" Seresin. Reminiscent of his character in Scream Queens, Hangman is cocky and egotistical, yet Powell manages to bring a humorous edge that makes him ultimately likable.

Powell has a way of sensing exactly what a role needs, including bringing something that others didn’t even realize was missing

One of Powell’s acting strengths is his commitment to whatever role he takes on, and his ability to read exactly what is required from the performance. He proved this initially with Scream Queens, and went on to demonstrate it in each of his other appearances. Whether a sensitive romantic in Anyone But You or a storm-chasing daredevil in Twisters, Powell has a way of sensing exactly what a role needs, including bringing something that others didn’t even realize was missing. As his career continues, it’s a certainty that Glen Powell will continue to impress with his instinctual talent.