Hollywood was once dominated by brooding, dark heroes, but Glen Powell believes one Marvel movie changed everything. He credits Chris Pratt's portrayal of Star-Lord in "Guardians of the Galaxy" with ushering in an era where upbeat, positive leading men could thrive. But here's where it gets controversial: Is he right? Did Pratt truly revolutionize the industry, or was he simply a symptom of a larger shift? Let's dive in.
Glen Powell, known for his affable and charming on-screen presence, acknowledges the impact of "Guardians of the Galaxy" on his own career. Speaking with GQ, Powell explained how Pratt's Star-Lord broke the mold of the traditional, often melancholic, leading man. For years, Hollywood seemed to favor actors embodying a more serious and intense persona. Powell points to Robert Pattinson as the "prototype" of this era, a time when casting calls for roles beyond the "jock" or "fraternity guy" were rare for actors like himself. He recalls his early roles, including a part in "Spy Kids 3: Game Over" alongside Selena Gomez, highlighting the limited opportunities available to him at the time.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" wasn't just another superhero movie; it was a breath of fresh air within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the MCU had always incorporated humor, Pratt's Star-Lord introduced a new type of protagonist. He was more playful and lighthearted than Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark, and a stark contrast to the darker tones of movies like "Thor: The Dark World" and "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." Star-Lord was relatable, a fun-loving guy thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and, as Powell describes, "buoyant." And this is the part most people miss: Star-Lord didn't just entertain; he normalized the idea of a leading man being a bit of a goofball. He made it acceptable, even appealing, for heroes to be flawed, funny, and undeniably dorky.
Powell emphasizes the contrast between himself and the brooding superhero archetype, exemplified by Christian Bale's Batman. "I'm not Christian Bale," Powell stated, acknowledging the gravitas and weight Bale brought to the role. He argues that Pratt's arrival with "Guardians of the Galaxy" shifted the landscape. Pratt's portrayal allowed for a more lighthearted and comedic approach, a style that Powell feels aligns with his own strengths. This shift, he believes, provided him with a unique "gear" that is valuable in Hollywood, one that not many actors can effectively play. Glen Powell credits this shift with opening doors for him and leading to roles such as his role in the rom-com "Anyone But You."
Edgar Wright, Powell's director for the upcoming "The Running Man" remake, echoes this sentiment, describing Powell as someone audiences can easily identify with. This relatability is a key element in Powell's success, as seen in Richard Linklater's comedy "Hit Man," where his down-to-earth personality creates a hilarious contrast with the character's profession. While Powell's undeniable good looks might not make him the most obvious "everyman," his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level has proven to be a winning formula, much like it did for Chris Pratt.
While Pratt's impact is undeniable, it's worth noting that his career hasn't been without its controversies. Some argue that his later roles haven't lived up to the promise of Star-Lord, and his involvement in projects like Netflix's "The Electric State" has drawn criticism. But did he truly pave the way for a new generation of leading men, or was he simply the right actor at the right time? And has he maintained that momentum, or has he become a victim of his own success?
So, what do you think? Did Chris Pratt's Star-Lord genuinely change Hollywood for the better, or is Glen Powell giving him too much credit? Are there other actors or movies that deserve recognition for shifting the landscape of leading men? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
