Hollywood's leading men have undergone a refreshing transformation, and Glen Powell believes it all started with a beloved Marvel movie. But was it a much-needed change or a controversial shift? Powell, known for his affable and charming on-screen presence, has an intriguing take on the matter.
According to Powell, the game-changer was none other than Chris Pratt's portrayal of Star-Lord in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014). In an interview with GQ, Powell reveals that Pratt's upbeat and positive performance prompted a significant change in the industry. But here's where it gets interesting: Powell believes this shift was a direct response to the era of brooding, sad boys dominating Hollywood, with Robert Pattinson as the poster child.
Powell, who started his acting journey alongside Selena Gomez in 'Spy Kids 3: Game Over', struggled to land roles beyond the stereotypical jock or fraternity guy due to his all-American good looks. But when Pratt danced onto screens as Peter Quill, something magical happened. Pratt's Star-Lord was a breath of fresh air—a fun-loving, relatable guy caught up in a grand adventure. And this is the part most people miss: he made it cool to be a massive dork!
Powell draws an intriguing comparison between himself and Christian Bale's Batman, a prime example of the brooding loner archetype. But when Pratt arrived, he brought a new energy, a buoyant silliness that was missing from Hollywood's leading men. This change in tone was a bold move, and it paid off.
Director Edgar Wright agrees, seeing Powell as a relatable figure audiences can identify with. This relatability is evident in Powell's comedy 'Hit Man,' where his down-to-earth persona contrasts hilariously with the role of a ruthless killer. Despite his undeniable handsomeness, Powell's success lies in his ability to connect with viewers.
While Chris Pratt continues to shine as one of Hollywood's brightest stars, his impact on the industry's perception of leading men is often overlooked. He brought a unique charm and a much-needed dose of silliness to the role of Star-Lord. And let's not forget, he made it okay to embrace your inner dork.
So, was this shift in Hollywood's leading men a positive change or a controversial move? Did Pratt's performance in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' truly revolutionize the industry? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the impact of this beloved Marvel movie on the world of cinema.
