Director reveals he initially resisted meeting Chris Pratt for Guardians of the Galaxy—until one audition changed everything.

July 10, 2025: In a recent appearance on Armchair Expert, DC Studios CEO James Gunn shared a surprising revelation: during the casting process for Guardians of the Galaxy, he was initially skeptical about meeting Chris Pratt—the “heavy guy from Parks and Recreation.”

Gunn admitted, “This joker? No way,” when first considering Pratt for the role of Peter Quill. The director had already auditioned nearly 300 actors and shot over two dozen screen tests without finding the right fit. It was casting director Sarah Finn who insisted that Gunn give Pratt a chance.

According to Gunn, the moment Pratt began his audition, his doubts vanished. “It was not 12 seconds into the audition and I turned around to Sarah and I said, ‘He’s the one,’” he recalled.

From Unlikely Choice to Superstar

Other actors—including Adam Brody, Glenn Howerton, and Joel Edgerton—were also considered, but Gunn believes none captured the unique tone Pratt brought. Moments after his audition began, it became clear: Pratt embodied Star‑Lord’s mix of swagger, humor, and vulnerability.

Pratt’s casting proved transformative—propelling him to international stardom—and helped launch a successful Guardians franchise spanning three films.

Legacy and Friendship

The revelation underscores the often unpredictable nature of casting and highlights the trust behind-the-scenes between Gunn and Pratt. Once doubtful, Gunn’s instinct paid off—on-screen chemistry, audience appeal, and Pratt’s signature charm turned out to be exactly what the franchise needed.

James Gunn’s initial hesitation reminds us that Hollywood classics can emerge from unlikely choices. But sometimes, all it takes is the right moment—and the right audition—to turn a skeptic into a believer.