Chris Pratt’s Journey to Becoming Star-Lord Revealed

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Chris Pratt has taken on the role of Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in six films, including the original Guardians of the Galaxy and the recently released Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special on Disney+. This role significantly boosted his career, leading to major parts in the Jurassic World trilogy, The Magnificent Seven, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Pratt wasn’t the initial favorite to portray the beloved Marvel character. During the casting process for Guardians of the Galaxy, many other actors were considered for the role, reflecting a diverse array of talents. The casting team evaluated various well-known figures, such as Eddie Redmayne and Joel Edgerton, as potential leads. Others, including Jack Huston and Jim Sturgess, also auditioned for the part.

At that time, Star-Lord was not a familiar name among Marvel’s characters, which left room for interpretation. The producers were looking for someone who embodied a unique blend of charisma and humor, traits that were crucial for the role. Actors like Michael Rosenbaum were noted to have tested for the part, showing Marvel’s interest in a comedic flair.

Glenn Howerton from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia was also a close contender. If Pratt hadn’t secured the role, Howerton would have likely taken on the part of Star-Lord, offering a different take on the character. Directors and producers, including James Gunn, faced challenges in narrowing down their choices.

Despite initial hesitations regarding Pratt’s suitability for an action role, Gunn became confident after witnessing Pratt’s audition. Gunn expressed that, in just a few moments, he saw the spark needed for Star-Lord. The casting decision, announced in February 2013, proved to be transformative for both Pratt and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Today, Pratt’s portrayal of Star-Lord is iconic, reshaping how audiences view both the character and the franchise. Now, fans can catch Guardians of the Galaxy streaming on Disney+.