If you’ve spent more than five minutes on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen it. A side-by-side comparison that, once seen, can never be unseen. On one side, we have Glen Powell, the square-jawed, charismatic star of Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters. On the other, a capybara, the world’s largest rodent, known for its extreme chill and square-shaped snout.
It sounds like a weird insult, right? But honestly, in the chaotic ecosystem of celebrity memes, being compared to a capybara is basically the highest honor. It’s not about being "rat-like" in a gross way. It’s about a specific, squinty-eyed, unbothered energy that both the actor and the South American mammal seem to share.
The Glen Powell capybara comparison has moved far beyond a simple joke. It’s now a defining part of his public persona.
The Viral Moment That Started the Legend
Memes usually have a messy origin story, but this one is actually pretty easy to trace. Back in April 2023, a user on X (formerly Twitter) posted a throwback photo of Powell at the 2016 premiere of Hidden Figures. In the photo, he’s smiling wide—maybe a little too wide—and looking incredibly stoked to be there.
The caption? "He looks like a capybara who made a wish to become human."
The internet collectively lost its mind. The tweet went nuclear because it felt weirdly true. There is something about the way Powell’s eyes crinkle and the specific structure of his smile in that photo that mirrors the "OK I PULL UP" energy of a capybara.
Interestingly, Powell wasn't even supposed to be at that 2016 premiere in an official capacity. He’s since joked that he didn't get an invite, so he bought his own suit, did his own styling, and showed up anyway. That "too-excited" energy is exactly what created the face that launched a thousand memes.
Why the Comparison Actually Works (E-E-A-T Perspective)
From a purely visual standpoint, the "capybara face" comes down to a few facial features:
- A strong, somewhat rectangular jawline.
- Eyes that squint in a very specific, horizontal way when smiling.
- An overall vibe of being "just happy to be here."
But it's more than just a chin or a squint. Capybaras are famous for being the most "friend-shaped" animals in the world. You’ve seen the videos: birds, monkeys, and even crocodiles just hanging out on top of them. They are nature's ultimate "good hang."
Glen Powell has cultivated a similar reputation in Hollywood. He’s the guy who seems to get along with everyone. Whether he's doing chemistry tests with Sydney Sweeney or playing the cocky-but-lovable pilot, he radiates an approachable, easy-going confidence. He is, for all intents and purposes, a capybara in a Tom Ford suit.
How Glen Powell Handled "Capybara Allegations"
A lot of actors would get defensive. They’d have their PR team try to scrub the photos or pivot to "serious actor" mode. Not Powell. He leaned into the curve so hard he basically became the mascot for the animal.
During the press tour for Twisters and Anyone But You, the capybara followed him everywhere. In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he addressed it head-on. He told Fallon, "I really kind of own the capybara thing now. I am the capybara."
He even did a segment on Hot Ones Versus with his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones. When asked what animal he would be, he didn't say a lion or an eagle. He chose the capybara. Daisy, in true friend fashion, spent the rest of the episode calling him a "capybara son of a gun."
Honestly, it's a masterclass in celebrity branding. By embracing the joke, he turned a potential "ugly photo" moment into a lovable trademark.
The "Brisket" Connection
You can’t talk about Glen Powell’s animal associations without mentioning Brisket. Brisket is Powell’s rescue dog, a tiny terrier-mix that has become a celebrity in his own right.
While the internet thinks Glen is a capybara, Glen is busy being a "dog dad." Brisket was a constant fixture on the Twisters set, often seen in the arms of the cast or tucked into Powell’s jacket. This adds another layer to his "friend-shaped" persona. He’s not just a guy who looks like a chill rodent; he’s a guy who rescues small dogs and takes them to movie sets.
The contrast between his rugged, "leading man" roles and his soft, meme-friendly real-life personality is exactly why he’s a massive star in 2026.
Why We Are Obsessed With Celebrity-Animal Lookalikes
Humans are hardwired for pattern recognition. We love putting things in boxes. When we see a celebrity who looks like an animal, it humanizes them. It makes them feel less like a polished Hollywood product and more like something we’d see in a funny TikTok.
Powell isn't the only one. We’ve seen:
- Benedict Cumberbatch as an otter.
- Adam Driver as a specific breed of cat.
- Jeremy Allen White as... well, several different types of birds or small mammals depending on the week.
The capybara/Powell link is special because it matches his career trajectory. Capybaras are having a "moment" in pop culture (thanks to that one song), and Glen is having the biggest moment of his career. It’s a perfect storm of internet trends.
Actionable Takeaways: What This Means for You
If you’re a fan or just someone curious about why your feed is full of rodents and actors, here is the real takeaway:
- Embrace the Meme: If you’re a creator or professional, take a page out of Powell’s book. If the internet gives you a nickname or a meme, don't fight it. Lean in. It makes you relatable.
- Context Matters: The "Hidden Figures" photo only became a meme years later. Your "embarrassing" moments today might be your best branding tools tomorrow.
- Follow the Vibe: The capybara comparison works because it fits Powell’s personality. If he were a grumpy, reclusive method actor, it wouldn't be funny. It would be weird. Authenticity (even in memes) is key.
If you want to keep up with the latest, you can follow Glen's dog Brisket on Instagram or check out the constant stream of fan edits on TikTok. Just don't be surprised if the next time you see a capybara at a zoo, you find yourself wondering if it's about to fly a fighter jet or chase a tornado.
To see the original comparison that started it all, look up the "Hidden Figures premiere Glen Powell" photo. Just be warned: once you see the capybara, you’ll never see the movie star the same way again.
Check your local listings for his latest projects, and if you're ever in South America, say hi to a capybara for Glen. They're basically cousins now.
👉 See also: Why Ice Spice and Harry Styles Define the Current Era of Pop Culture
Next Steps:
Go watch the Hot Ones Versus episode with Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones to see him do the "capybara face" in real-time. It’s surprisingly accurate. You can also follow his official social media to see if he finally follows through on his joke about actually buying a pet capybara to "fix" his Google search results.