If it wasn’t for his type-cast-breaking role in the Oscar-nomiated Zero Dark Thirty last year, we’d be even more surprised by this bit of casting news than we already are. Chris Pratt, known by comedy fans as the lovable, in-love and goofy Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation, has landed himself a role that will likely change the trajectory of his entire Hollywood career.
Deadline reports that Pratt will portray Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, (pictured) in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy, based on the Marvel Comics super hero who first appeared in print in 1976. As Star-Lord — half human, half alien — Quill wears a nearly impenetrable suit that allows him to fly and grants him superhuman strength.
Guardians is being directed by James Gunn, who worked with Rainn Wilson (The Office) on super hero comedy flick Super in 2010. We get the sense that Guardians won’t be as light-hearted. Curiously, Guardians producers set a release date of Aug. 1, 2014 before they even completed casting.
Pratt, who’s married to actress Anna Faris, recently welcomed his first child, a son, into the world. It’s been a good year for the 33-year-old funny guy.
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