Key Takeaways:
– Chris Pratt performed an astonishing physical transformation for his MCU role, surprising everyone including his ex-wife Anna Faris.
– Anna Faris responded both favorably and negatively to Pratt’s transformation, often asking Pratt to return to his normal eating habits.
– Pratt’s dedicated fitness training under Duffy Gaver took him from a character actor to a leading man status.
Before he became globally renowned for his roles in blockbuster franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, actor Chris Pratt had a humbler image. Known for his lovable and slightly overweight character, Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, Pratt’s physical transformation provoked a range of reactions, most notably from his ex-wife, Anna Faris.
Pratt’s Career Trajectory and Journey to Stardom
Previously, before landing significant roles in big franchises and animation films, Chris Pratt struggled in Hollywood. He revealed on the Smartless podcast about facing difficulty during auditions for film giants like Star Trek and Avatar.
Scepticism initially clouded his decision to portray Peter Quill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, he won the hearts of Marvel heads and director James Gunn, which led to his selection for the role in Guardians of the Galaxy (GoTG). This turning point in his career required a serious commitment to a rigorous fitness regime and diet.
Transformation for Guardians of the Galaxy
In a chat with Express, Pratt opened up about his intense physical transformation. For the initial five months, he underwent a grueling fitness regimen to get into the superhero mold for Guardians of the Galaxy. He described the process as both enjoyable and painful.
The most shocking reaction to his transformation came from his then-wife Anna Faris. Faris expressed mixed feelings about Pratt’s new physique, admitting to being both turned on and annoyed by the change. “She would vacillate between being turned on and happy and like, ‘Oh my God honey, look at your body, that’s crazy!’ That was her first reaction but then it shifted to ‘Oh, will you just eat something, you grumpy bastard’”.
Duffy Gaver: The Man behind Pratt’s Transformation
Pratt’s transformation was overseen by celebrity trainer and former Navy Seal, Duffy Gaver. Gaver has been instrumental in creating dramatic transformations in other actors like Brad Pitt for Troy and Tobey Maguire for the Spider-Man franchise. According to Gaver, Pratt was a disciplined client who didn’t need to be pushed, but rather “the type of client you have to pull down” as he quoted to Muscle and Fitness.
On Pratt’s performance, Gaver told Esquire, “I’m extremely proud of the work I did with Chris because it took him from being a character actor of sorts to being a leading man. And a really highly sought-after leading man.”
Gaver’s training helped Pratt become one of the most coveted leads in Hollywood, and the trainer often cites Pratt as an example for his other clients.
What’s Next for Chris Pratt?
After the conclusion of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, fans are eagerly waiting for Peter Quill’s return to MCU. Speculations abound that James Gunn may involve him in his DCU projects. In the meantime, Pratt continues to expand his career in voice-acting and is set to voice the titular cat in the forthcoming The Garfield Movie. After the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, all eyes are on the Garfield Movie to see if it can replicate the triumph.
The Garfield Movie debuts on May 24, 2024. Until then, fans can re-watch the Guardians of the Galaxy films on Disney+.
