We all know that Chris Pratt is a brilliant comedian. However, in 2014 he became a bona fide film star, changing his career indefinitely. But how did he book those jobs? Behold, one of the screen tests that helped Pratt land the role of Star-Lord in Guardians of The Galaxy.
Excuse me while I wipe tears of laughter off of my face. This, ladies and gentlemen, is how you nail an audition. In this screen test, it was the moments where Chris Pratt got to use his improvisational skills that really killed me. Especially in moments where he and Dave Bautista were able to riff of of each other, talking about all the galactic ladies they’ve bedded throughout the years, I got to see Pratt get back to his comedy roots and slay the screen test.
Chris Pratt obviously honed his comedic and improvisational skills throughout his tenure on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. While he started off as a guest actor in the first season, his character Andy Dwyer was such a loveable oaf that he was quickly promoted to series regular in season 2. Parks was a workplace comedy mockumentary similar to The Office, set in the fictional tragic town of Pawnee. While Parks was scripted, the actors had the chance to improv their reactions to the antics in the office. Additionally, there was usually a final take where the actors were encouraged to riff. Chris Pratt was known to have the funniest antics, which you can see in any of the blooper reels from the show’s tenure.
Midway through the sixth season of Parks and Recreation Chris Pratt booked Guardians of The Galaxy, and slimmed down to portray space playboy Star-Lord. In the same year, Pratt also voiced the lead character in The Lego Movie making him the star of two of the biggest movies of 2014.
Chris Pratt also starred in this year’s monster hit Jurassic World, further cementing his role as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. While he is becoming quite the action star, his roles always include an element of humor- arguably Pratt’s strongest suit. This mixture of comedy and action are what made Joss Whedon’s Avengers films so unique, and has become the trend in Marvel action movies moving forward.
The screen test between Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista illustrated the magic that Guardians had. It’s strange mixture of hilariously flawed protagonists (who are also badasses) made the film relatable, despite being set in space and containing aliens, a humanoid tree, and a wise-cracking Raccoon.
The actors’ comfort level with each other, and ability to play translates into the finished product. The casting director of Guardians Of The Galaxy definitely nailed it- because Chris Pratt’s comedic sensibility isn’t something you find everyday. Unless you live in Pawnee.
