Chris Pratt changed action movie roles by introducing a lighter and more comedic approach to the genre, which reshaped expectations for leading men. His breakout role in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, where he played Peter Quill, helped pave the way for a different kind of action star—one who balances humor with heroism.
Pratt’s portrayal of Quill, the leader of a group of unlikely extraterrestrial heroes, marked a departure from the usual brooding and intense leads. This was his first major film role following his success on the sitcom Parks and Recreation, where he played Andy, giving him a foundation in comedy that translated well to the big screen.
Influences and Industry Recognition
Actor Glen Powell credits Pratt for opening up new possibilities for action roles. Reflecting on Pratt’s impact, Powell said,
“I remember when Chris Pratt broke out in Guardians of the Galaxy,”
adding,
“There’s no doubt it really helped – not being brooding or dark. Like, I’m not Christian Bale. Christian Bale has a gravitas and a weight, and Pattinson had his thing.”
—Glen Powell, Actor
Powell noted that Pratt’s style, which is
“a little more silly and buoyant,”
resonated with him and filled a needed niche in Hollywood. He explained,
“When Pratt kind of appeared on the scene where he was doing things that were a little more silly and buoyant, that’s where I feel most at home,”
and
“And that’s where I feel like I had a gear that is a necessary flavor in terms of Hollywood, and not a gear that a lot of guys can play.”
—Glen Powell, Actor
Director James Gunn also recognizes Pratt’s unique suitability for certain roles, stating,
“I don’t know if anybody I’ve worked with before would’ve been able to do this stuff, besides maybe Chris Pratt”
in reference to Pratt’s capability to bring both action and humor to his performances in films like Guardians of the Galaxy.
Glen Powell’s Career Path and Upcoming Projects
Inspired by Pratt’s blend of humor and action, Glen Powell has brought a similar energy to his work, such as playing the mild-mannered fake hitman Gary Johnson in the action comedy Hit Man, and Tyler Owens, a charismatic storm chaser, in Twisters. Despite this lighthearted trend, Powell is now shifting toward more dramatic territory.
His next project is the dystopian thriller The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and based on the Stephen King novel. Powell stars as Ben Richards, a contestant forced to survive a deadly game against ruthless hunters for a $1 billion prize. The film is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 14.
The Lasting Impact of Pratt’s Approach
Chris Pratt’s arrival as an action star redefined the typical hero archetype, encouraging actors and filmmakers to embrace a more approachable and playful persona in blockbuster films. This shift has expanded the range of characters seen in the genre, offering fresh dynamics that combine humor with action.
As Hollywood continues evolving, Pratt’s influence persists, inspiring actors like Glen Powell to explore versatile roles that balance levity with seriousness. The success of upcoming movies such as The Running Man will further demonstrate how this transformation shapes the future of action storytelling.
