Jelly Roll may be taking a break from touring as he continues to heal from his shocking divorce from Bunny Xo, his wife of nearly 10 years. But the country music singer doesn’t seem to be slowing down in too many other areas of his life. Jelly Roll recently filled in for Jimmy Kimmel on ABC’s late-night talk show, where he spoke with Glen Powell about their upcoming 2027 movie The Comeback King. Powell admitted he didn’t know what to expect working with the artist, and according to one wild voice message, he got a “complete maniac.”

Glen Powell visited the increasingly popular Jimmy Kimmel Live!, but rather than being interviewed by the longtime host, it was the heavily tattooed country singer Jelly Roll sitting behind the desk. Powell discussed The Comeback King, which he wrote with Judd Apatow about a country music star whose career goes into freefall. Jelly Roll also appears in the movie, and it sounds like they had a blast on set, but there was some uncertainty on Powell’s part at first. He explained:

“When Jelly did join the cast — I wrote it with Judd Apatow — and I’m a little nervous about, you know, writing for Jelly. I sent him a voice note, I got his number, I said, ‘Hey, what are the limits of what I can write for you and what I can’t?’”

That’s a fair question to ask. Jelly Roll has a complicated past and has been open about his addiction struggles and the jail time he’s served, as well as how important his faith is to him. Outside of his rap and country music career, he’s dabbled in pro wrestling, appearing on WrestleMania 42, and he performed on an episode of Tulsa King. His life story is one of redemption, second chances, and unexpected turns—which makes him an intriguing choice for a movie about a fallen country star.

It was actually pretty cool of Glen Powell to reach out to see what the singer-turned-actor's parameters were, and it’s safe to say he wasn’t expecting the response he got. Affecting a pretty darn good Jelly Roll impression, Powell read from a transcript of the voice message he received:

“He said, ‘Hey Glenn, what’s up baby? Thanks for the message, dawg. I love you, I love Judd, thanks for the opportunity. Let me tell you something about myself. Y’all should know that — I hope you already know — but I don’t give a f of much about anything. Like, whatever the wildest thing y’all can make happen for me, no limitations. If I eat the entire s sandwich, just like a complete maniac. Anyway, high excited. Love you, man. Heard a lot.’”

Glenn Powell laughed as he acknowledged how Jelly Roll spoke “straight from the heart.” There certainly doesn’t seem to be a lot that Jelly Roll can’t do. He has proven time and again that he can defy expectations, whether it’s by crossing genres, stepping into acting, or sitting behind a late-night desk. His guest-hosting stint on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was another example of his surprising versatility.

Who Is Jelly Roll?

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has become one of the most compelling figures in modern country and hip-hop. His journey from a troubled youth in Nashville to Grammy-nominated artist is nothing short of remarkable. He has been candid about his time in prison, his struggles with addiction, and the moment he decided to turn his life around. That honesty has endeared him to millions of fans, who see him as a symbol of hope and resilience.

His music often blends elements of country, rock, and rap, allowing him to reach a diverse audience. Tracks like “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor” have become anthems for those seeking redemption. He has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, further solidifying his place in the industry. But Jelly Roll is not content to stay in one lane. His appearance at WrestleMania and his role in Tulsa King showed that he is willing to take risks and explore new creative avenues.

What We Know About The Comeback King

The Comeback King is one of the most anticipated projects in development, thanks to the combination of Glen Powell, Judd Apatow, and Jelly Roll. The film follows the story of a country music superstar whose career spirals out of control, forcing him to confront his past and fight for redemption. It’s a premise that feels tailor-made for Jelly Roll, whose own life has been filled with ups and downs.

Glen Powell co-wrote the script with Judd Apatow, and having Jelly Roll on board adds an authentic layer to the story. Powell’s nervousness about writing for Jelly Roll is understandable, given the singer's unique background and personality. But the voice message he received made it clear that Jelly Roll was willing to go all out for the role. That kind of enthusiasm is exactly what can make a film memorable.

The movie is scheduled for release in 2027, which gives the creative team plenty of time to craft something special. Fans are already speculating about the soundtrack, the tone, and how much of Jelly Roll’s real life will be woven into the fictional narrative. If his voice message is any indication, the performance will be fearless and unfiltered.

Glen Powell’s Rising Star Power

Glen Powell has become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. From his breakout role in Top Gun: Maverick to his charming performance in Anyone But You, Powell has proven he can handle both action and comedy with ease. He has also shown a knack for writing and producing, making him a multifaceted talent in the industry.

His collaboration with Judd Apatow on The Comeback King is particularly exciting because Apatow has a knack for blending humor with heartfelt moments. Powell seems to be following in that tradition, as seen in his previous work. He has a natural charisma that draws audiences in, and his chemistry with Jelly Roll, even in a brief interview exchange, suggests they could be a dynamic duo on screen.

Powell is also known for his work ethic and his willingness to go the extra mile for a role. That dedication is likely why he took the time to ask Jelly Roll about his comfort zones before writing the character. It shows a level of respect and professionalism that sets him apart from some of his peers.

Jelly Roll’s Growing Acting Career

Although Jelly Roll is best known for his music, he has been quietly building an acting portfolio. His appearance on Tulsa King, the crime drama series starring Sylvester Stallone, was a notable step into the acting world. He also made an appearance at WrestleMania 42, showing his comfort in front of large crowds and his willingness to embrace the theatrical side of entertainment.

Joining the cast of The Comeback King feels like a natural progression for him. The movie’s themes of fame, downfall, and redemption align closely with his personal narrative. While it remains to be seen whether he will take on a leading role or a supporting part, his presence alone will likely bring a sense of authenticity to the film.

Jelly Roll’s recent personal life has been under public scrutiny due to his divorce from Bunny Xo. He announced he was taking a break from touring to focus on healing, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking on new projects. Filling in for Jimmy Kimmel was a bold move, and he charmed audiences with his down-to-earth demeanor and natural wit. The voice note he sent to Glen Powell is just another example of his unfiltered personality.

The Impact of Jelly Roll’s Voice Note

The voice message Jelly Roll sent to Glen Powell has already generated buzz among fans. It perfectly encapsulates Jelly Roll’s no-nonsense attitude and his willingness to push boundaries. By saying he would “eat the entire sht sandwich” for the role, he made it clear that he is not afraid to get messy or take risks for his art.

For Glen Powell, hearing that from his co-star likely alleviated any concerns he had. When an actor is given full creative freedom to write for someone who is willing to try anything, the possibilities become endless. It also suggests that the film might include some truly wild and unexpected moments, as the writers will be able to push the character to extreme places.

The fact that Jelly Roll’s response was so enthusiastic and heartfelt also speaks to his gratitude for the opportunity. Despite his success, he often comes across as genuinely humble and appreciative of the chances he’s given. That’s a refreshing quality in an industry full of egos.

Looking Ahead: Chad Powers and Beyond

While waiting for The Comeback King to hit theaters in 2027, audiences can catch Glen Powell in Chad Powers Season 2, which will be available to stream Thursday, September 3, with a Hulu subscription. The show has been well-received, and Powell’s performance continues to be a highlight. It’s yet another example of his ability to balance different genres and formats.

As for Jelly Roll, he has hinted at more acting projects in the future, though he hasn’t announced anything specific beyond The Comeback King. His guest-hosting role on Jimmy Kimmel Live! might have opened doors for him in the entertainment industry. Fans have praised his natural charisma and quick wit, making him a potential candidate for future hosting gigs.

The collaboration between Glen Powell, Judd Apatow, and Jelly Roll is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing projects of the decade. With a script that promises to explore the dark side of fame and a cast that includes both seasoned actors and a raw talent like Jelly Roll, The Comeback King has the potential to be a standout film. The voice note story is just the beginning of what will likely be a memorable promotional campaign.

In the meantime, the internet will continue to replay the clip of Glen Powell doing his Jelly Roll impression and reading the message aloud. It’s a lighthearted moment that humanizes both celebrities and gives fans a glimpse into their working relationship. If the on-screen partnership is anything like their off-screen dynamic, audiences are in for a treat.

Source: MSN News