8 Reasons Why Glen Powell Is The Internet's Favorite Capybara (And How He Embraced The Meme)

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The internet has a new spirit animal for Hollywood’s current leading man, Glen Powell: the capybara. This bizarre, yet strangely accurate, comparison has evolved from a viral meme to a cornerstone of the actor’s public persona, gaining massive traction during the promotional tours for his hit films Anyone But You and Twisters. As of December 20, 2025, the association is stronger than ever, largely because Powell himself has fully embraced the title, cementing the capybara as his favorite animal and forever linking his infectious smile to the world’s largest, and most chill, rodent.

The story of how the star of Top Gun: Maverick and Hit Man became synonymous with a giant South American guinea pig is a perfect example of modern celebrity culture—a single, goofy photo and a hilarious quote that spiraled into an enduring online phenomenon. Far from being offended, Glen Powell’s reaction has only made the meme more beloved, turning an internet joke into a genuine, wholesome connection.

Glen Powell: A Brief Biography and Filmography

Glen Thomas Powell Jr. is an American actor, writer, and producer who has quickly risen through the Hollywood ranks, establishing himself as a versatile leading man. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Powell's career trajectory showcases a blend of charming charisma and serious acting chops.

  • Full Name: Glen Thomas Powell Jr.
  • Date of Birth: October 21, 1988
  • Birthplace: Austin, Texas, USA
  • Parents: Glen Powell Sr. and Cyndy Powell
  • Early Career Highlights: Powell began his career with minor roles in films like Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and television series.
  • Breakthrough Role: He achieved widespread recognition for his role as Jake "Hangman" Seresin in the blockbuster hit Top Gun: Maverick (2022), starring alongside Tom Cruise.
  • Recent Major Films:
    • Anyone But You (2023) - Romantic comedy co-starring Sydney Sweeney.
    • Hit Man (2023) - Dark comedy which he co-wrote and produced.
    • Twisters (2024) - Disaster film co-starring Daisy Edgar-Jones.
  • Upcoming Projects: Powell is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, with several major projects in development, including The Running Man and The Natural Order.

The Hilarious Origin of the Glen Powell Capybara Meme

The genesis of the "Glen Powell Capybara" meme is a classic internet tale of an old photo finding new life. It all started with a single, highly expressive photograph that captured the actor’s wide, genuine smile on the red carpet.

The 'Hidden Figures' Premiere Photo

The infamous photo was taken back in 2016 at the global premiere celebration for the film Hidden Figures. Powell, dressed sharply in a tuxedo, was captured mid-smile, an image that was so striking it was even used for a time on his Wikipedia page.

For years, the photo was just a standard red carpet shot. However, in early 2023, as Powell's star power exploded following Top Gun: Maverick and the buzz around Anyone But You grew, the photo was resurrected on X (formerly Twitter).

The Viral Quote That Started It All

The meme truly took off with a specific, viral quote that perfectly encapsulated the comparison: "He looks like a capybara who made a wish to become human." This observation resonated immediately with thousands of users. The capybara, known for its friendly, gentle, and perpetually calm demeanor, suddenly had a human equivalent in Hollywood. The comparison wasn't an insult; it was a compliment to Powell's approachable and warm persona.

The meme’s popularity soared further during the press tour for Anyone But You, where his effortless charm and good-natured chemistry with co-star Sydney Sweeney were constantly in the spotlight, reinforcing the "chill" and "sociable" capybara connection.

8 Reasons Why Glen Powell is the Ultimate Capybara of Hollywood

The enduring popularity of the Glen Powell capybara meme is rooted in more than just a passing resemblance. It's a reflection of shared personality traits between the actor and the world's largest rodent. Here are the top reasons why the comparison is so fitting and beloved:

  1. The Signature Smile: The original meme photo highlights his wide, slightly boxy, and incredibly genuine smile—a facial structure that internet users instantly likened to the capybara's broad, friendly face.
  2. The "Chill" Factor: Capybaras are famous for their incredibly calm and gentle nature, often seen peacefully co-existing with other animals. Powell’s public persona is equally relaxed and good-humored, making him a "chill icon" in the same vein as the animal.
  3. Sociability and Friendliness: Capybaras are highly sociable animals that live in groups and are known for their non-threatening presence. Powell is frequently praised by his co-stars (like Sydney Sweeney and Daisy Edgar-Jones) for his collaborative and friendly attitude on set.
  4. High Emotional Intelligence: Some capybara enthusiasts claim the animals exhibit high emotional intelligence and are capable of recognizing their human companions. This mirrors the widely held view that Powell is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant actor, capable of portraying complex characters in films like Hit Man.
  5. He Fully Embraced It: In a truly modern celebrity move, Powell didn't try to shut down the meme. Instead, he celebrated it. In a July 15, 2024, *Hot Ones Versus* interview promoting Twisters, he was asked which animal he would be, and he immediately responded, "A capybara."
  6. Declaring It His Favorite Animal: During the same *Hot Ones Versus* interview with Daisy Edgar-Jones, Powell went a step further, declaring the capybara his absolute favorite animal, proving the meme had genuinely influenced his perspective.
  7. The Viral Quote's Power: The quote—"a capybara who made a wish to become human"—is so specific and positive that it framed the comparison as endearing rather than mocking, ensuring its longevity.
  8. The Resemblance is Endearing: Unlike many celebrity comparisons, the capybara meme is overwhelmingly positive. It highlights his genuine warmth and down-to-earth nature, making the star of Top Gun: Maverick feel more approachable and beloved by his global fanbase.

The "Glen Powell Capybara" phenomenon is more than just a fleeting internet joke; it’s a testament to the actor's authentic personality. By embracing the meme, he has solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's most genuine and good-natured stars, proving that sometimes, the internet gets it exactly right. The capybara, the world’s most amiable animal, is a perfect fit for the actor who has charmed audiences worldwide.

8 Reasons Why Glen Powell is the Internet's Favorite Capybara (And How He Embraced the Meme)
capybara glen powell
capybara glen powell

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