Glen Powell Goes Country in Judd Apatow’s New Comedy — Title, Release Date Revealed

If you thought Glen Powell couldn't get any busier, guess what: he's now teaming up with Judd Apatow for a new comedy at Universal called 'The Comeback King.' The quick pitch? Powell's playing a washed-up country star trying to get back on top. (So, yeah, expect cowboy hats, twang, and embarrassment.)

Powell Writes, Apatow Directs—No, That’s Not a Typo

Here's where it gets interesting: Glen Powell isn't just starring—he's also co-writing the script with Apatow. It's not his first rodeo with screenwriting either. (See: 'Hit Man' with Richard Linklater and those Captain Planet rumors.) But this time, he's not just the leading man; he's actually putting himself in the center of Apatow’s comedy universe.

What’s the Deal with Apatow?

If you haven’t been keeping score, Judd Apatow was the big cheese in comedy movies back in the 2000s. We're talking 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin,' 'Knocked Up,' and 'Trainwreck,' plus producing 'Superbad', 'Bridesmaids,' and basically inventing a generation of awkward improv comedies. Lately, though, Apatow’s kept it quiet on the movie front. 'The Bubble' hit Netflix in 2022 and, before that, 'The King of Staten Island' was meant for theaters in 2020—until COVID came and dumped it straight onto streaming.

The Release Date—And Universal’s Ongoing Love Affair with Powell

'The Comeback King' is already locked for a February 5, 2027 release. Universal is backing the whole thing, which isn’t shocking considering they just cashed in on 'Twisters' (Powell’s tornado movie that made $372 million worldwide). Let’s just say he’s become one of those actors for them. And now, with Apatow’s production company (aptly named Apatow Productions) and Kevin Misher jumping in, Universal is hedging its bets for another comedy jackpot.

The Rest of the Cast (Because There’s Always a Quirky Supporting Crew)

• Cristin Milioti
• Madelyn Cline
• Stavros Halkias
• Li Jin Hao

Names you know, a couple you might not—but if Apatow’s trademark is anything, it's finding supporting characters who steal entire scenes. On the production side, Powell’s also producing (through Barnstorm, his partnership with Dan Cohen), and Misher is in via Misher Films.

Wait, Is Powell Writing Everything Now?

Yes, he’s busy. Besides this project, Powell co-wrote 'Hit Man,' is currently scripting a 'Captain Planet' revival, and is a creative force on Hulu’s 'Chad Powers' (that’s the football comedy where a disgraced quarterback wears a fake mustache and tries to make a comeback—think 'Ted Lasso' if the lead was totally clueless). Season two is on the way, by the way.

So, What Else is Powell Up To?

Recent gigs? He was in Edgar Wright’s 'The Running Man,' popped up in 'How to Make a Killing,' voiced Star Fox in 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,' and will headline J.J. Abrams' sci-fi flick 'The Great Beyond' later this year. The man’s working like he’s got a bet to win.

'Do Glen Powell and Judd Apatow actually have the chemistry to pull off a genuinely funny comedy?'

We’ll find out in 2027 (sigh), but let’s be honest: Powell’s on a roll, and pairing him with Apatow’s direction could be the jolt big-screen comedies have needed for a while. If you've ever daydreamed about your own country singer persona, now’s the time—drop those suspiciously embarrassing stage names in the comments.