The Glen Powell capybara meme showcases an amusing yet strikingly relatable aspect of the actor’s persona, and it appears that Powell himself finds humor in this comparison. In the realm of 21st-century cinema, few stars embody the classic essence of fame like Powell, whose career has been a gradual ascent towards recognition after starting out early. While many would cite his role in Scream Queens as his breakthrough, it was his captivating performance as Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick that truly showcased his talents, almost overshadowing his co-star Miles Teller, who played Rooster.
Since his breakout role, Powell has gained significant traction in Hollywood, becoming a celebrated figure in a way that sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. The landscape of what makes a movie star has shifted in recent years, often prioritizing franchises over individual actors. However, Powell’s trajectory appears to parallel A-listers like Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, raising questions about whether he might ultimately join their ranks. The sheer volume of memes circulating about him indicates that his appeal transcends just Hollywood, embedding him firmly in popular culture.
A Capybara Comparison: The Viral Meme of 2023
The Origin of the Meme: A Snapshot from 2016
In April 2023, a tweet by user @koalarolls sparked the meme’s popularity. The post featured a cheerful Glen Powell at the 2016 premiere of Hidden Figures (original content now deleted), captioned with humor about acting normal at a dispensary. The tweet playfully suggested, “he looks like a capybara who made a wish to become human,”and thus, the meme was born.
I only took off my pants to try and bury this photo. https://t.co/APdbHc5A1s pic.twitter.com/RpsigwfHKT — Glen Powell (@glenpowell) November 15, 2023
The meme swiftly gained traction online, with users delighting in the amusing likeness between Powell and the world’s largest rodent. While it’s a stretch to say Powell resembles a capybara, the cheerful, laid-back expression in the meme mirrors the calm demeanor associated with these animals. In interviews and appearances, Powell’s amiable nature also lends itself to this charming comparison, which resonates with the capybara’s reputation for being relaxed and allowing other creatures to rest on them.
Glen Powell’s Embrace of His Capybara Persona
A Playful Interaction on Hot Ones
In a recent episode of Hot Ones Versus, Powell and his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones had a humorous exchange about what animal he would choose to be. After she suggested a rat, Powell confidently stated he would choose to be a “capybara”, even mimicking the smile from the meme. In a lighthearted moment, Edgar-Jones affectionately called Powell a “capybara son of a gun.”
Beyond the Capybara: Other Viral Moments
Memes from Twisters and Top Gun: Maverick
Glen Powell is no stranger to internet fame, having appeared in numerous viral moments that have nothing to do with the capybara. The beach football scene from Top Gun: Maverick, reminiscent of the classic volleyball scene, showcased Powell and Teller celebrating and dancing, earning its own share of online buzz. Similarly, Twisters has generated a wealth of memes due to its memorable quotes. While Powell has certainly found his footing as an internet sensation, the delightful capybara meme remains a highlight in his collection.