Actor Joel Edgerton was among those who auditioned to play Star-Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, a role that Chris Pratt ultimately landed and is now famous for. Edgerton said on the Bingeworthy podcast (via Variety) that he didn’t understand the tone of what director James Gunn was going for with Star-Lord and that ultimately he’s glad he didn’t get the part.
“I wasn’t really sure how I could be a part of that tone. And I truly think that the world is a much better place that I’m not Star-Lord, even if I had the opportunity or I did a good enough audition because it is the way it’s meant to be,” he said. “And there was never a real conversation that it would have definitely been me. It was just, I had the opportunity to try and audition. I just didn’t quite understand it.”
Edgerton isn’t the only actor who auditioned for Star-Lord. Adam Brody previously discussed trying out for the part and how he really “wanted that one.” Other actors who auditioned for Star-Lord or were said to be in the mix for the part included Lee Pace, Eddie Redmayne, James Marsden, Jim Sturgess, and Glenn Howerton. The It’s Always Sunny star was reportedly Gunn’s second choice.
Pratt played Star-Lord in three Guardians of the Galaxy movies and multiple Avengers movies. While some of his Guardians co-stars, like Drax actor Dave Bautista, are saying goodbye to the series, Pratt has said he would be open to playing Star-Lord again, even without Gunn directing. Gunn, of course, is the new co-head of DC Studios and is not likely to make another Marvel movie anytime soon. The ending to Guardians of the Galaxy 3 teased the return of Star-Lord, but it remains to be seen how or when it could happen.
Edgerton currently stars on the Apple TV+ series Dark Matter.
