‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Casts Chris Pratt in Lead Role

'Guardians of the Galaxy' cast a wide net trying to find the right star to star as Star-Lord (that's a lot of stars...). There were rumors that Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey were both being considered, so clearly they were looking for someone who was believable as an action hero and who also had some comedic chops. Marvel has finally found their man and it is 'Parks and Recreation' star Chris Pratt.

Pratt is probably known best for her role as Indiana goofball Andy Dwyer in NBC's 'Parks and Recreation' but he also bulked up to play a Navy SEAL in 'Zero Dark Thirty.' It's that combo has led to Pratt being named the next superhero in the Marvel movie universe.

Though it's a big intergalactic superhero film, 'Guardians of the Galaxy' is also being directed by James Gunn, which means it will have more of a comedic bent than most Marvel films. Having a sense of humor is important when one of your lead characters is a raccoon and the other is a tree.

Pratt will star in the film as Star-Lord aka Peter Quill, a NASA astronaut aboard an international space station. The station was visited by Master of the Sun (described once as the "master of the solar system") who transformed Quill into Star-Lord, a sort of outer space policeman. He wears a suit that allows him to travel through space and increases his strength and durability. Star-Lord also utilizes an "element gun" that fires earth, water, fire and air.

'Guardians of the Galaxy' is an important lynchpin of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Phase 2 and kicks off the storyline that will end with 'The Avengers 2.'