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5 Reasons Why Glen Powell Is Hollywood's Favorite Capybara (And How The Viral Meme Started)

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The internet has crowned a new king of wholesome memes, and his name is Glen Powell. As of late 2025, the Hollywood heartthrob is not just known for his blockbuster roles in films like Top Gun: Maverick and the romantic comedy hit Anyone But You; he’s now inextricably linked to the world’s largest rodent: the capybara. This bizarre, yet endearing, association has become a cornerstone of his public persona, a testament to his good-natured embrace of online culture.

The "Glen Powell Capybara" phenomenon has evolved from a simple viral photo into a full-blown celebrity meme that the actor not only acknowledges but actively celebrates. This article dives into the hilarious origin of the meme, why it resurfaced during his latest press tours, and how his career is mirroring the capybara's own calm, cool, and collected nature.

Glen Powell: A Brief Biography and Profile

Before he was a blockbuster star and an accidental internet rodent icon, Glen Thomas Powell Jr. began his career with a clear trajectory toward Hollywood success. His profile is marked by a blend of action-hero charm and romantic-comedy charisma.

  • 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: Powell began his acting career with small roles, including an uncredited part in the 2003 film Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over.
  • Breakthrough Roles: He gained significant attention for his role as Chad Radwell in the Fox comedy-horror series Scream Queens and later as astronaut John Glenn in the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures.
  • Major Films: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) as Lt. Jake "Hangman" Seresin, Anyone But You (2023) as Ben, and Twisters (2024) as Tyler Owens.
  • Upcoming Projects: He is set to star in the Stephen King adaptation The Running Man (scheduled for November 2025) and the comedy series Chad Powers (2025), which he co-created.

The Hilarious Origin of the "Capybara Face" Meme

The connection between the chiseled, charismatic actor and the giant, placid rodent is not a brand deal or a deliberate marketing stunt—it's pure, unadulterated internet gold.

It All Started With a Smile

The meme’s genesis dates back to a single, now-iconic photograph taken on the red carpet. The photo in question was snapped at the global celebration for his 2016 film, Hidden Figures. Powell is seen in a tuxedo, giving a particularly wide, enthusiastic, and slightly awkward smile.

The image, which became known as the "Glen Powell Capybara Face" or "Glen Powell Smile," was first paired with the capybara comparison on social media. The viral quote that solidified the meme was that Powell "looks like a capybara who made a wish to become human". The comparison stuck due to the perceived similarity in the actor's facial structure and the capybara's famously calm, wide-set eyes and broad, slightly goofy grin.

The Meme Resurfaces for Blockbuster Promotion

While the initial photo was from 2016, the meme experienced a massive resurgence in late 2023 and 2024, coinciding with the massive promotional tour for the romantic comedy Anyone But You, which he starred in alongside Sydney Sweeney. The meme became a running joke among fans, with countless TikToks and X (formerly Twitter) posts circulating the comparison.

The capybara jokes continued to follow him through the press cycle for his 2024 disaster movie, Twisters. The internet loved the idea of a Hollywood leading man being compared to a chill, friendly animal, using the meme to express affection and highlight his good-natured vibe.

5 Reasons Why Glen Powell Has Fully Embraced the Capybara Title

Unlike some celebrities who might reject a bizarre viral comparison, Glen Powell has completely leaned into the capybara meme, turning it into a charming part of his brand. His enthusiastic acceptance is one of the main reasons the meme has lasted.

1. He Named It His Favorite Animal (Latest Update)

In a very recent and telling development, Powell officially endorsed the capybara. During a "Hot One Versus" interview on July 15, 2025, the actor was asked which animal he would be if he could choose. Without hesitation, he declared the capybara, stating it is now his favorite animal because of the meme. This definitive answer cemented his status as Hollywood's official capybara.

2. The Capybara’s Vibe Matches His Persona

The capybara is the largest rodent on Earth, native to South America, and is known for being incredibly social, calm, and friendly. They are often photographed relaxing peacefully alongside other animals, from monkeys to crocodiles. This tranquil, non-threatening, and effortlessly cool demeanor perfectly aligns with the charming, "golden retriever energy" persona Powell projects in his interviews and on-screen roles.

3. Co-Stars Have Joined the Joke

The meme has been amplified by his colleagues. While promoting Anyone But You, co-star Sydney Sweeney and others frequently brought up the comparison in interviews, often to Powell’s good-humored embarrassment and delight. The joke became an inside baseball reference in the Hollywood press circuit, further proving his willingness to be a good sport.

4. It’s a Source of Topical Authority

For an SEO expert, this meme is a goldmine of topical authority. By embracing the "capybara" keyword, Powell has tapped into a niche yet massive corner of the internet. It provides a unique, highly searchable, and fresh angle for every article and interview about him, driving significantly more engagement than standard celebrity news.

5. It Humanizes the Blockbuster Star

The capybara meme serves to humanize the actor, making him relatable to a younger, meme-savvy audience. It strips away the polished image of a Hollywood leading man and replaces it with a goofy, self-aware celebrity who is in on the joke. This ability to laugh at himself, especially in the context of his massive career success with projects like Twisters and The Running Man, is why fans genuinely adore him.

The Future: From "Hangman" to "Capybara"

Glen Powell's career trajectory is only climbing. His upcoming slate of films solidifies his position as a major player in Hollywood. Fans are eagerly anticipating his starring role in the action-thriller remake of The Running Man and his return to television as the titular character in Chad Powers.

Yet, no matter how many box office records he breaks, the capybara will likely remain a permanent fixture of his public image. The actor’s decision to embrace the meme—going so far as to name the capybara his favorite animal in a public interview—is a masterclass in modern celebrity engagement. It’s a wholesome, hilarious, and unforgettable way to connect with the audience, proving that sometimes, the biggest star in the room is the one who is most comfortable being compared to a giant, chill rodent.

glen powell capybara
glen powell capybara

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