Chris Pratt has become synonymous with his charismatic role as Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, from the Guardians of the Galaxy films. But even as he embraces this beloved character, Pratt has recently drawn parallels between Quill and his newest role, John D. Keats, from Netflix’s latest sci-fi adventure, The Electric State, acknowledging the similarities between the iconic roles.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pratt revealed how both Quill and Keats are products of their respective eras, saying, "They're both products of the same era, and so there's a similarity in the sense of nostalgia for an era that's bygone. Although it's an alternate version, it's the '90s, and obviously, Quill has all of these pop culture references to the '80s, things... helped inform him before he left Earth at 13. Keats is also a product of this time. So, in this regard, they're similar."
Pratt elaborated on the journeys of his characters, noting, "I guess as a character arc goes, they have a story; they find something bigger than themselves to want to fight for and are willing to sacrifice themselves for." These thematic connections offer viewers unique intersections to explore, as Quill's heroic escapades across the galaxy seem hauntingly similar to Keats' quest for survival against the backdrop of robot wars.
Interestingly, Pratt suggested, "He kind of feels like what Peter Quill could have been if he didn't get picked up and go to space, but instead lived through a robot war and went on the run with his robot friend." The actor highlighted how Keats and Quill both reflect different narratives of the same character type he often finds himself portraying, stating, "When it's a big commercial tone like this, you're going to get a Sliding Doors version of the characters..."
The Electric State, which has garnered some attention for various reasons since its release, reportedly had a whopping $320 million budget. Yet, it also faced disappointment with critic reviews, holding only 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, but surprisingly maintained a healthy 76% audience score, indicating fans may appreciate Pratt’s vibrant performance more than critics. Where the critics might see flaws, viewers seem to embrace the film for its entertainment value.
This juxtaposition of reviews emphasizes the influence of Pratt's overall appeal and his established track record within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Having first joined the franchise over ten years ago as Quill, Pratt has also collaborated with the Russo Brothers, who directed The Electric State, after jointly helming epic MCU installments such as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. This reunion adds layers of familiarity to Pratt's performance, providing opportunities to resurface some of their previous collaborative energies.
Describing the working relationship with the Russo Brothers, Pratt noted, "Not all dissimilar to working with them on a Marvel movie — big budget, massive set pieces, lots of green screen, lots of animated elements." He appreciated the collaboration, which felt reminiscent of his MCU experiences, emphasizing, "It was getting right back in the ring. It was really nice. I found myself improvising a lot — the Russos are really open to... championing it, which is great."
Yet, it’s not just nostalgia fueling Pratt’s reflections. He shared personal anecdotes about the character of Keats, which carried real emotion and connection for him. He revealed, "I based the character of Keats on my former neighbor, Kenny Gundacker, who I saw as just icon. I thought I lived next to David Lee Roth... it was the swagger and confidence he had." This personal investment adds layers to Keats, making him more than just another role for Pratt, but rather, one enriched by authentic memories.
Despite the mixed reviews, fans are curious and ready to see how Keats compares to Quill and if Pratt can create yet another compelling character from familiar tropes. The character dynamics lead one to explore how Pratt’s ability to revive archetypes with newfound qualities keeps him relevant and engaging to diverse audiences.
Currently, The Electric State is available for streaming on Netflix, and it has captured notable attention not just for its budget or box office performances, but also for its ambitious attempts to weave together adventure, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling, even if the path seems turbulent at times.
Indeed, Chris Pratt’s willingness to reflect on his blend of characters speaks volumes about his growth as an actor and his desire to push creative boundaries within mainstream cinema. Whether audiences will embrace Keats as readily as they have Star-Lord remains to be seen, but with each new role, Pratt continues to showcase his capabilities and captivate viewers with the adventures he embarks on.
