'Guardians of the Galaxy' is  movie that feels like it's built on a foundation of interesting and bizarre creative decisions, but casting Chris Pratt in the lead role of Star Lord feels particularly inspired. Although known mostly for his comedic chops, we have a really good feeling about the 'Parks and Recreation' star heading up a team of science fiction superheroes, especially with director James Gunn at the helm. Pratt recently spoke with IGN about the super-secretive production, sharing details about the film's tone and his role in the cinematic Marvel universe.

Since the Guardians are one of the lesser-known comic book superhero groups, many fans and non-fans have alike have wondered what the heck this movie is going to feel like. Pratt spoke about this, saying that the footage that played at Comic-Con is indicative of the film's actual tone:

It’s so imaginative and so unreal. We’re working really hard and I’m in a bit of a daze, but I just can’t wait for people to see what we’re doing out there. I think that footage they showed at Comic-Con is very accurate to the movie that we’re making. I thought that footage was pretty badass.

Pratt also admits that the film is a bit of a juggling act and that it tries to balance of a lot humor with drama that feels like it matters. It certainly sounds like they're going for the tone that 'Iron Man 3' and 'The Avengers' pulled off:

Yeah, I think tone is the major thing we have to accomplish, a consistent tone, going from silly and comedic to high-stakes drama and action, and everything in between.

Of course, the interviewer also asked Pratt about the film's place in the Marvel movie universe, where characters from other movies tend to intersect and their stories overlap as they head toward some kind of grand crossover. Although the action of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' initially feels far-removed from the earthbound action of previous Marvel films, Pratt seems really into the idea of these characters meeting up with others:

What’s nice is that it is all the same universe. Because it falls under the Marvel umbrella, there is the possibility, just like in the comic books, that these stories could intersect.

The rest of the interview can be found right here and it's really worth a read ... especially since 'Parks and Recreation' co-star Aubrey Plaza is on hand to dryly comment on everything and grill Pratt about having sex with alien women. You really should check that out.

'Guardians of the Galaxy' arrives on August 1, 2014.

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