Can you ever see Star-Lord being played by another actor other than Chris Pratt? Maybe, Zachary Levi holding a Walkman dancing to Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” with Rocket the Raccoon judging him from the side?
Recently when Levi made an appearance as a guest on The Playlist’s podcast of “The Fourth Wall”, he opened up on how he went on an audition for Peter Quill. Although he didn’t get it, the audition process helped him land his current known character of DC Comic’s “Shazam!”
Levi revealed how he’s close with James Gunn, where the director of “Guardians of The Galaxy” had asked him to read for the Star-Lord character. One thing led to another, and quoting him, “suddenly I was camera testing.” In the final round of the audition, it was down to three people; Levi, Chris Pratt, and another guy. He was absolutely stoked and he wanted the role so, so bad.
However, Levi did state how Chris Pratt has always been their favourite for the role. Although, he was hesitant on taking it because it was a really big franchise (come on, it’s Marvel). Levi understood why the filmmaker and Marvel ultimately went with Pratt. It was a match made in heaven.
Despite not being chosen for the role of Star-Lord, he left a good impression on James Gunn. When he auditioned for “Shazam!”, producer Peter Safran contacted Gunn (apparently they’re good friends and producing partners) to get his opinion. “This is (just) how our industry works,” the 41-year-old actor said.
He expressed his gratitude towards Gunn and stated how he is always trying to be in good standing with industry people. After all, it doesn’t hurt to be a decent human being. In hindsight, his failed audition for “Guardians of The Galaxy” was what helped him in his “Shazam!” audition.
That’s a nice silver lining isn’t it?
Sources: The Playlist, Coming Soon.
