Chris Pratt’s voice acting career began with a smaller role on the 2008 animated DC series, The Batman, which aired on Kids WB and Cartoon Network over five seasons. Before becoming a household name, Pratt voiced a character named Jake in the season 5 episode titled Attack of the Terrible Trio. Jake is one of three college students who use mutagens derived from Doctor Kirk Langstrom (Man-Bat) to transform into hybrid creatures seeking revenge. Pratt’s part as Jake, who becomes an ape-human hybrid, is a notable early appearance in the superhero genre, preceding his rise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Taking on a Classic Role in The Garfield Movie (2024)
In 2024, Pratt voiced the iconic comic strip character Garfield in The Garfield Movie. This animated adaptation follows the famously lazy orange cat whose favorite pastime is eating lasagna. Stepping into the role once voiced by Bill Murray in the 2004 live-action hybrid, Pratt had the challenge of matching a beloved voice performance. Though the new film earned roughly the same box office revenue and received somewhat better reviews, critical reception remained mostly negative. Despite this, plans for a sequel remain underway, extending Garfield’s presence in the animation landscape.
Recurring Role as Cooper in Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
Chris Pratt also lent his voice to the animated series Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, where he portrayed Cooper, an ally of the show’s main character Ben Tennyson. Cooper first appeared in the original Ben 10 series and was previously voiced by other actors before Pratt took over in Ultimate Alien. The character, who has ties as the grandson to a law enforcement associate of Max, the leader of the Plumbers, had grown into a more muscular and confident figure by this series. Pratt voiced him during two episodes, where Cooper develops a mutual attraction with Gwen, Ben’s cousin, though Pratt’s involvement was brief in this role.
Emmet’s Warm Christmas Tale in Emmet’s Holiday Party (2018)
In 2018, Pratt reprised his role as Emmet Brickowski in Emmet’s Holiday Party, a short film created to promote the release of The LEGO Movie: The Second Part. The story focuses on Emmet’s desire to celebrate Christmas joyfully, while his friend Wyldstyle, also known as Lucy, prioritizes defending Bricksburg from impending alien threats. The short diverges from typical action-packed finales to highlight Emmet’s hopeful and optimistic spirit, demonstrating the heartfelt charm that defines The LEGO Movie franchise.
Leading Emmet in The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part was tasked with following up one of the most beloved animated films, and although it could not fully replicate the brilliance and layered subtext of the original, it crafted a compelling story of its own. Chris Pratt returned as Emmet, now living in a devastated Bricksburg after an alien invasion. The sequel flips the original story’s message by portraying the young boy who built the LEGO world as an antagonist, while his sister wishes to play freely, paralleling themes from the first film. This subversion allowed the film to stand independently while continuing Emmet’s journey amid a bleak environment.
Voicing Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Chris Pratt brought his voice to the legendary plumber Mario in the 2023 release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Adapted from the iconic video game lacking a traditional narrative structure, Pratt’s voice work played a crucial role in creating an entertaining and successful film. In the plot, Mario and his brother Luigi are transported to a fantastical world where Luigi is captured by the villain Bowser, and Mario teams up with Princess Peach to rescue him and protect their home. The movie achieved massive success, grossing $1.3 billion worldwide, and has secured a sequel slated for 2026.
Portraying Barley Lightfoot in Pixar’s Onward (2020)
In 2020, Pratt voiced Barley Lightfoot in Pixar’s widely praised yet underperforming film Onward. Released during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie’s theatrical run was prematurely cut short, which hindered its commercial performance despite positive critical reception. Barley, the adventurous older brother to Tom Holland’s Ian Lightfoot, sets off on a quest to use magic to connect with their deceased father. The film’s exploration of family, loss, and hope resonated deeply, supported by Pratt’s heartfelt characterization of Barley’s warm and determined spirit.
The Defining Role of Emmet in The LEGO Movie (2014)
Chris Pratt’s most iconic voice role is undoubtedly Emmet Brickowski in the 2014 original The LEGO Movie. Unexpectedly rising beyond what could have been a simple toy commercial, the film combined humor, heart, and innovative storytelling. Emmet begins as an ordinary construction worker minifigure with no individual traits but is soon revealed to be “The Chosen One” destined to save Bricksburg from the tyrannical Lord Business. The movie’s exploration of identity, family, and creativity won critical acclaim and commercial success, sparking a sequel and cementing Pratt’s voice work as a standout in contemporary animation. Many fans continue to express frustration that it was overlooked at the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, despite its lasting impact and popularity.
Chris Pratt’s Impact in Animation and Beyond
Chris Pratt has built a diverse portfolio of voice acting roles spanning various franchises and genres. From his early days on The Batman to becoming the definitive voice of Emmet, and later embodying iconic characters like Mario and Garfield, his voice work reflects a wide range of emotions and story types. Although some of these projects faced mixed reviews or unfortunate timing—such as the pandemic impact on Onward—Pratt’s performances consistently bring a unique blend of charm, humor, and earnestness. These roles have amplified his presence beyond his live-action franchise work, contributing to some of the most successful and memorable animated films of the last two decades. Fans can look forward to his continued voice acting, especially with upcoming sequels like The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2.
