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'Zero Dark Thirty' Star Chris Pratt Lands 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Lead

by Ethan Anderton
February 5, 2013

After a search that looked at nearly every male star in Hollywood, Deadline is reporting that Disney and Marvel Studios are making "Parks & Recreation" series regular and Zero Dark Thirty and Moneyball co-star Chris Pratt one of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Pratt will take the lead superhero role of Peter Quill, the astronaut who becomes the guardian known as Star-Lord. Though is recent TV work and appearances in films like Five-Year Engagement don't make him out to be superhero material, Pratt lost weight and toned up for his role in Zero Dark Thirty (he showed off his muscle a bit on Conan), is now a full-fledged hero.

For those who are not aware, as a child Peter Quill's father died trying to kill him and his mother was killed by an alien. It's no wonder he grew up to be an astronaut. But while on a space station, Quill is visited by Master of the Sun and gets transformed into Star-Lord, who is tasked with policing the galaxy. His suit allows him to travel through space, increase his strength and he has a powerful weapon called an element gun which fires earth, water, fire and air. In the concept art release at Comic-Con, he's carrying Kree sub-machine guns (from the alien race that created his suit), which shoot various types of ammunition, including explosives. He also has a psychic link to a sentient spaceship aptly called Ship.

This is a huge role for Pratt who has mostly been resigned to supporting roles, but he shows great potential as an actor in comedy and drama, not unlike Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Pratt beat out names like Joel Edgerton, Jack Huston, Lee Pace, Jim Sturgess and plenty of others. In addition to being part of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt now has a line right into the world of The Avengers as it's expected that the two teams with unite at some point in Marvel's cinematic universe. For more on the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy roster, check out our character line-up here. Thoughts?

Filed under Casting, Development, Movie News

From around the web:

jro1211

Love it!
Mufasa

I will always see him as Andy Dwyer tho.
fem!anon

WHAT. NO. As much as I LOVE Andy Dwyer, I really wish Lee Pace got it! Chris looks too goofy and comedic, and I'm not saying this because I'm a huge Parks and Rec fan. Lee Pace 5evr
- http://twitter.com/equustel Ali Miller
  
  ...and Lee Pace is not goofy and comedic-looking? I mean, I love the guy, but when I think of him I immediately think of the many, MANY goofy roles he's played. Cannot disassociate!
  - fem!anon
    
    Fair point, especially since Pushing Daisies is one of my favorite shows. But then I think about his role in The Fall and that just makes me want to defend him even more. And when I told my friend that Thranduil and Ned the Piemaker was the same person, she didn't believe me! His role in Lincoln was also astounding. He's pretty versatile. Chris Pratt, not so much.
Xerxexx

Awesome.
AySpergs362

I think this is the best thing they could have done. Chris will be able to bring equal levels of physicality and humor that will make the film extremely enjoyable. I can see him doing to this character what RDJ did to Iron Man. Trust in Marvel
Zade_92

Although I think Chris is a great choice, I still really wanted to see Jack Huston land the role cause I believe he could of really put some edge into this character.
http://twitter.com/Toonfed TOONFED

The guy from Parks and recreations? I actually was excited with Michael Rosenbaum (confession Bear)
http://www.facebook.com/chris.groves.507 Chris Groves

Chris Evans as Captain America Chris Hemsworth as Thor Chris Pratt as Quill/Star-Lord ...if I ever get into acting...I'm definitely going for a Marvel role.
Good

To all the clowns who are against him being cast,I have a wake up call... actors do just that, namely act. So whatever role you saw them in does not mean they can't change that impression. Besides he impressed the guys at Marvel.... who are you to cry? lol. The money of your 3D ticket is all that is at stake on this, so... Chill out.
- si1ver
  
  "To all the clowns who are against him being cast,I have a wake up call... actors do just that, namely act." Yup, every single actor ever in a movie is good at acting.
Ron

FBI agent Bert Macklin is going to save the world?! I am in!
comic393

meh I really wanted to see Michael Rosenbaum.
Guy who comments on things

I really liked him in Zero Dark Thirty. Cool news.
truong18

great choice, this guy had talents
SkyMazter

This is so awesome!!!!!!! I love Chris Pratt in Parks & Rec, he is my Fav. Then i saw him in Zero Dark Thirty and thought he did an amazing job for such a little part. Im so happy that hes getting a lead role, in the Guardians Of The Galaxy. Especially since he's playing Starlord... oh i mean Peter Quill... since Star-Lord is "Dead"
Marcus

Chris Pratt really packed on the muscle for his role in Zero Dark Thirty, and he's got the chops. Great choice.
http://twitter.com/SeanBonau Sean B.

Cool! But i'll be seeing this movie not for Chris Pratt's role as GOTG's lead character, but for Robert Downey Jr's appearance as Iron Man!