Highlights
- Guardians of the Galaxy could have had a very different cast, as several actors, including Adam Brody, auditioned for the role of Star-Lord, ultimately played by Chris Pratt.
- Brody acknowledges that Pratt was the better choice due to his physicality, but he appreciated the tone of the character and would have brought a different interpretation to Star-Lord.
- Other actors considered for Star-Lord included Eddie Redmayne, Zachary Levi, John Krasinski, Jim Sturgess, and Joseph-Gordon Levitt, while Glenn Howerton was James Gunn's second choice.
Although audiences adore the loveable cast of misfits that comprise the Guardians of the Galaxy team, fans almost saw different Star-Lord played by Shazam! star Adam Brody.
Since their first cinematic debut in 2014, the Guardians of the Galaxy have become an iconic part of the MCU. With three films and a Christmas special, it’s easy to see that the Guardians are a fan-favorite team. Although fans couldn’t imagine anyone else playing the team today, it shouldn't be surprising that the original film enticed several actors to audition. From Jason Momoa as Drax the Destroyer to Amanda Seyfried as Gamora, the Guardians of the Galaxy could have been a different team.
One of the latest actors to reveal a failed audition is Shazam! star Brody. During an interview with the Just for Variety podcast, Brody revealed he auditioned for Star-Lord, which ultimately went to Chris Pratt. It might seem far-fetched today, but Brody and Pratt were best known for their roles in a television series, and neither screamed superhero at first glance. While Brody would’ve undoubtedly given the world a different Star-Lord, many agree he could’ve pulled off the role.
According to Brody, Star-Lord was a role that he badly wanted. He ultimately agrees that Pratt was the better choice, as he was “bigger [and] stronger,” but he enjoyed the character's tone. Brody isn’t the only actor who was considered for Star-Lord. Reports say that director James Gunn also considered Eddie Redmayne, Zachary Levi, John Krasinski, Jim Sturgess, and Joseph-Gordon Levitt for the role of the legendary outlaw. Although Pratt was eventually awarded the role, Gunn revealed his second top choice for Star-Lord was It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Glenn Howerton.
Brody might not have won the role of Star-Lord, but he still made his superhero debut. Brody plays an older superhero version of Freddy, Billy's best friend. The O.C. alum played the character in Shazam! and Shazam! 2.
Although Guardians of the Galaxy ended with the perfect team, one casting will forever be missed. Gunn revealed that David Bowie was supposed to have a small role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He was meant to play a Ravager alongside Michael Rosenbaum, Sylvester Stallone, Ving Rhames, and Michelle Yeoh. Unfortunately, Bowie passed away before he was able to film the cameo.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is available on Disney Plus.
Source: Variety