Starting Small: Chris Pratt’s Acting Beginnings
Before he donned the mask of Star Lord in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt was just another struggling actor hoping for a big break. His first stepping stone into the acting world was surprisingly in a little-known horror short called ‘Cursed: Part III,’ directed by Canadian-American actress Rae Dawn Chong.
A Chanced Meeting and an Unexpected Opportunity
While waiting tables in Hawai’i after leaving community college, Pratt happened to encounter Chong. A bold conversation between the two led Chong to offer Pratt an opportunity in her debut directorial venture.
Travel Woes and the Road to Hollywood
Despite hesitating due to lack of funds for his flight to Los Angeles, Pratt decided to take the leap. Chong bought his tickets, showing her belief in his talents. After a successful reading, Pratt earned the lead role in ‘Cursed: Part III.’ This short horror film marked Chong’s first attempt at writing and directing.
‘Cursed: Part III’ and Its Forgotten Fate
Launched in 2000, ‘Cursed: Part III’ attempted something fresh within its genre. It was about a young filmmaker’s attempt to create a Blair Witch Project-like mockumentary. However, the actual ‘Blair Witch Project’ outshone Chong’s film, forcing it to be shelved after being completed.
The Online Debut and Reactions
Years later, Eastern Video Productions released the 25-minute horror film title online, letting a new audience see ‘Cursed: Part III.’ It wasn’t exactly a game-changer for Pratt’s career, but rather a significant early step. Despite the lack of big sales or reviews, the film has an important place in Pratt’s story, though he has said it was “the worst movie I’ve ever seen.”
Stepping on to Greater Roles
Though ‘Cursed: Part III’ didn’t make Pratt a household name, it did open him up to the world of acting. After this film, he started to take on minor roles, building his name in the industry slowly but surely. Today, he has become a familiar face, recognized for his roles in multiple blockbuster movies.
Capping It Off: Pratt’s Marvelous Transformation
Despite his early struggles, Pratt’s fascinating journey from ‘Cursed: Part III’ to being a well-known figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is inspiring. It’s a proof that every career move, no matter how small, can lead to big things. If you’re curious about Pratt’s beginnings, you can now stream ‘Cursed: Part III’ on Vimeo to see where it all began.
This journey of Chris Pratt serves as an insightful peek into the early struggle and ascension of a Hollywood star. From a forgotten short film to intergalactic adventures, every step counts in creating one’s own unique path to stardom. Each new challenge faced is another experience learned. This is especially true for Pratt, who remains a celebrated actor in the film industry, inspiring many aspiring actors with his journey.
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/chris-pratts-pre-guardians-beginnings-behind-the-scenes-of-cursed-part-iii/