The hero of one of Marvel’s most celebrated franchises, Star Lord Peter Quill, aka, Chris Pratt mentioned in a recent interview how he almost gave up on the studio altogether. Although later he went on to gain worldwide recognition for his marvelous performance in Guardians of the Galaxy, there was a time when he kept getting rejected.
It went to the point where he became so upset that he was convinced that he will never be in Marvel at all. However, 2014 sort of changed the entire course of his life when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 was released. It not only brought him critical acclaim but he also gained a friend for life in director James Gunn.
Also Read: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Review – A Fun Yet Bumpy Ride
Chris Pratt was constantly rejected by Marvel
Recalling the earlier days of his career, Chris Pratt mentioned on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he initially auditioned for a small role in Thor, but was completely rejected. He noted, “I auditioned for Thor, but not even to be Thor – but to be one of the sidekick guys, and I didn’t get a callback.” What made it harder for him was the snide feedback the casting director made at that time. He added,
“Usually they give you a little bit of feedback, and I remember the casting director goes, ‘Wow. You really made a big choice there.’ Which is code for like, ‘Hey, dial back the acting there, guy.'”
However, that was not the only time he auditioned for Marvel, it seems. As he noted, “Anything that came out that needed a guy that even remotely looked like me, I auditioned for in some way or another.” He mentioned that it did not matter whether he’d submit a tape for the audition or go there himself. Their reactions would always be like, “No, we don’t need to see him,” or “No, that’s the last time we need to see you.“
And on and on it went, until it got to a point where he was ready to give up. Recalling those depressing days, he commented, “I was like, ‘This is stupid; I’m never gonna be in a Marvel movie.'” Thankfully for him and the fans, James Gunn came along and cast him for the role of Peter Quill, which changed everything.
It is especially interesting as the movie got a lot of backlash from critics and media alike before it was even released. However, he and his co-stars managed to completely spellbind the people doubting their capabilities and made them take note of their performance.
Chris Pratt to join James Gunn in DC
It’s been almost a decade after that, though, and now with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 releasing soon, Chris Pratt’s Marvel career is almost at an end. However, what withstood the test of time is Gunn and Pratt’s friendship. Throughout doubts over their career choices and personal and professional controversies, they have stood by and supported each other loudly.
For example, when James Gunn was fired as the Guardians of the Galaxy director for some resurfaced derogatory comments Chris Pratt was the foremost in line for a petition to bring him back. Gunn returned the favor when the Passengers star was involved in a controversy regarding his religious affiliations by defending him publicly.
Thankfully, the end of both of their Marvel journey will not be the end of their collaboration it seems. As Chris Pratt himself mentioned in an interview that he and Gunn have been brainstorming ideas to revive the Jurassic World franchise with a new twist, fans are hopeful to see them work together again.
It should be mentioned that James Gunn also kind of confirmed that the cast from Guardians of the Galaxy might join him in his DC adventures soon enough. And as his best friend, Chris Pratt automatically comes first at that line.
Pratt too, kind of hinted at it by saying that he will definitely receive Gunn’s call if he ever decided to make such a proposal to him and that he will let fans choose the character he’d be playing. As a result, although nothing is officially confirmed as of yet, it seems inevitable that fans will get to see a new project with them soon, something they seem especially excited about.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be available in theaters on May 5th, 2023.
Source: Jimmy Kimmel Live
