Hollywood's leading men have long been typecast, but Glen Powell believes one beloved Marvel movie broke the mold. In a GQ interview, Powell, known for his affable and charming roles, revealed that Chris Pratt's portrayal of Star-Lord in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014) revolutionized the industry's perception of leading men.
The Rise of the Brooding Sad Boys: Before Pratt's Star-Lord, Hollywood was dominated by brooding, dark, and sad protagonists. Powell, who made his debut alongside Selena Gomez in 'Spy Kids 3: Game Over' (2003), often found himself typecast as the jock or the generic good-looking guy. But here's where it gets interesting: Powell believes Robert Pattinson's rise in the 2000s set the tone for this era of lugubrious loners.
A Breath of Fresh Air: When 'Guardians of the Galaxy' hit the screens, it brought a much-needed change. Pratt's Star-Lord was a fun-loving, relatable, and buoyant character, a stark contrast to the brooding heroes of the time. This shift allowed for more diverse and upbeat leading men to shine, and Powell credits Pratt for making it okay to be a massive dork on screen.
A New Era for Superheroes: Powell draws a parallel between his own career and Christian Bale's Batman, both representing the brooding loner archetype. But with Pratt's debut in 'Guardians,' a new era began. Pratt's silly and buoyant performance showed that leading men could be endearingly goofy, and this unique flavor is what Powell believes sets him apart in Hollywood.
The Everyman Appeal: Director Edgar Wright agrees that Powell's relatable persona is a key to his success. His role in Richard Linklater's 'Hit Man' (2024) showcases this perfectly, as his down-to-earth charm clashes hilariously with a ruthless killer's persona. While Powell's good looks might not scream "everyman," his ability to connect with audiences does, much like Pratt's. And it's working; Powell's career is on the rise, with roles in J.J. Abrams' 'Ghostwriter' and the thriller 'Huntington' on the horizon.
Unsung Hero: Chris Pratt's impact on Hollywood's leading men is undeniable, yet it's often overlooked. While handsome charmers have always existed, Pratt's endearing silliness was a breath of fresh air in an industry dominated by brooding heroes. And this is the part most people miss: his performance in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' not only entertained audiences but also subtly challenged the status quo.
So, did Chris Pratt's Star-Lord truly change Hollywood for the better? Was this a turning point for more diverse and relatable leading men? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the impact of this Marvel movie on the industry's evolution.
