Marvel Studios’ space-epic "Guardians of the Galaxy" has finally found its leading man — and if you ask us, the casting department knocked this one out of the "Park."
Deadline.com reports that Chris Pratt, best known for playing lovable goofball Andy Dwyer on the sitcom "Parks & Recreation," has landed the lead role of Star-Lord in "Guardians of the Galaxy," the August 2014 Marvel flick being directed by "Super" and "Slither" filmmaker James Gunn. Officials at Marvel Studios and representatives for Pratt have not yet confirmed the news.
In Marvel Comics lore, Star-Lord is the alias of young astronaut Peter Quill. During a space mission, Quill is chosen by an alien known as the Master of the Sun to wield the title of Star-Lord and an accompanying firearm that projects the "elements" of earth, wind, fire and water. Star-Lord eventually becomes the de facto leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, a group of heroes who protect the galaxy from deadly threats. The roster includes the aptly named Drax the Destroyer, brutal warrior-woman Gamora, sentient tree-creature Groot, and the gun-toting Rocket Raccoon.
Though Pratt is traditionally remembered for his comedy roles, the actor has made great strides in dramatic features as of late, such as the Oscar-nominated pictures "Moneyball" and, most recently, "Zero Dark Thirty" as one of the Navy SEAL operatives who tracked and killed Osama bin Laden. Further, Pratt isn’t a stranger to secret identities: on "Parks & Recreation," his character frequently assumes the alias "Burt Macklin," a top-level federal agent (and total buffoon).
In winning Star-Lord, Pratt beats out a competitive group of actors including the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lee Pace, and even his "Zero Dark Thirty" co-star Joel Edgerton.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" cruises into theaters on August 1, 2014.