Actor Glen Powell attributes a shift in the archetype of the Hollywood leading man to Chris Pratt's performance in the 2014 Marvel film, Guardians of the Galaxy.
In a profile published by GQ on June 13, 2024, Glen Powell discussed the evolving definition of a modern leading man. He specifically cited Chris Pratt's portrayal of Peter Quill,also known as Star-Lord,in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) as a pivotal moment. Powell stated that Pratt's success demonstrated the viability of a leading man who wasn't defined by "brooding or dark" characteristics.
Powell directly contrasted this with actors like Christian Bale, acknowledging Bale's "gravitas" but positioning Pratt's Star-Lord as a departure from that established archetype. He explicitly stated, "I remember when Chris Pratt broke out in Guardians of the Galaxy. There's there's no doubt whatsoever it really helped - not being brooding or dark.Like, I'm not Christian Bale."