Glen Powell Names the MCU Star Whose Casting Shook Up Hollywood

Glen Powell recently talked about Chris Pratt’s rise in Hollywood and how his role in Guardians of the Galaxy made a big impact.

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.”

Edgar Wright also praised Powell in a similar vein, saying, “He’s a conduit for the audience because he’s someone you can identify with or relate to.”

Chris Pratt became a household name in 2014 when he played Peter Quill, or Star-Lord, in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy. Star-Lord is a space adventurer who was taken from Earth as a child and raised by a group of alien thieves called the Ravagers.

Pratt was hesitant at first to take the role. He worried it might be another tough audition experience, similar to his previous auditions 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 the perfect choice.

Guardians of the Galaxy became a major success, making more than $773 million worldwide. Pratt’s performance was praised for his charm and energy, which brought a lighter, more fun tone to the film. Bruce Diones of The New Yorker said Pratt’s “love for seventies music [which] is so full of goodwill that he buoys the film.” The role also led to a multi-film deal with Marvel Studios.

Pratt’s success showed that Hollywood audiences respond well to heroes who are funny, approachable, and charismatic, not just serious or intense. His casting opened the door for other actors with a playful style to take on big franchise roles.

In my opinion, Chris Pratt changed the game for leading men in Hollywood. His mix of humor and charm made him stand out in the MCU and beyond. What do you think about his impact on Hollywood? Share your thoughts in the comments.