When you think of Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, you probably think of Chris Pratt. The actor has become so synonymous with the character that it’s almost impossible to imagine anyone else playing the role. But did you know that there were actually several other actors who auditioned for the part before Pratt landed the role? Here are five actors who were defeated by Chris Pratt for the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ role.
Glenn Howerton
Glenn Howerton, best known for his role in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ was director James Gunn’s second choice for the role of Star-Lord. Howerton revealed in an Instagram Q&A that he passed Pratt on his way to audition and immediately knew that Pratt was the perfect fit for the role. While Howerton was initially disappointed to lose out on the part, he later admitted that the idea of being a star of a major franchise was a terrifying concept for him.
Wes Bentley
Wes Bentley, star of ‘American Beauty‘ and ‘The Hunger Games,’ reportedly screen tested for the role of Star-Lord. While he may have missed out on the part, Bentley eventually made it to movie outer space in the film ‘Interstellar.’
Jim Sturgess
‘One Day’ actor Jim Sturgess was another actor who came close to playing Star-Lord. Sturgess even took part in a costume fitting for the role, which he found to be pretty tight on his body. While he was disappointed not to get the part, Sturgess acknowledged that he was amazed to have made it as far as he did in the audition process.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt was initially the only front-runner for the role of Star-Lord, but he was eventually joined by several other actors. Despite his popularity and talent, Gordon-Levitt passed on the role in favor of a part in Robert Rodriguez’s noir ‘Sin City: A Dame To Kill For.’
John Krasinski
John Krasinski, best known for his role in ‘The Office,’ auditioned for several Marvel roles, including Captain America and Star-Lord. While he didn’t get the part of Star-Lord, Krasinski eventually landed a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Mister Fantastic in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’
In the end, it was Chris Pratt who ultimately landed the role of Star-Lord in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ While other actors may have come close, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the part with the same charm and wit that Pratt brings to the character. And it just goes to show that sometimes, the underdog can come out on top.
