Glen Powell Reveals the MCU Star Whose Casting Changed Hollywood

Glen Powell recently talked about how Chris Pratt’s role in Guardians of the Galaxy changed Hollywood.

For GQ, Powell said, “I remember when Chris Pratt broke out in Guardians of the Galaxy. There’s no doubt it really helped—not being brooding or dark. Like, I’m not Christian Bale. Christian Bale has a gravitas and a weight, and Pattinson had his thing.”

“And when Pratt kind of appeared on the scene where he was doing things that were a little more silly and buoyant, that’s where I feel most at home.”

“And that’s where I feel like I had a gear that is a necessary flavor in terms of Hollywood, and not a gear that a lot of guys can play.” Powell said.

Chris Pratt played Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy, which came out in 2014. The character is a space-faring mercenary who was taken from Earth as a child and raised by alien thieves called the Ravagers.

Pratt was initially hesitant to take the role. He worried it might be another tough audition experience like his attempts for Captain Kirk or Avatar. But casting director Sarah Finn recommended him to director James Gunn, who had been struggling to find the right actor. After meeting Pratt, Gunn realized he was perfect for the part.

Guardians of the Galaxy was a huge hit, making over $773 million worldwide, and it became one of the top-grossing films of 2014. Pratt’s role was part of a multi-film contract with Marvel Studios. The New Yorker’s Bruce Diones praised him, saying his charisma and “love for seventies music [which] is so full of goodwill that he buoys the film.”

Chris Pratt’s performance showed that Hollywood could embrace a hero and an actor who is fun and lighthearted, not just serious and intense. His casting opened doors for more actors with a playful side to take leading roles in big franchises.

In my opinion, Pratt’s rise shows how important it is for Hollywood to have different types of leading men. His mix of charm, humor, and relatability gave audiences something fresh. What do you think about his impact on the MCU and Hollywood? Share your thoughts in the comments.