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James Gunn Wants Kurt Russell to Play Chris Pratt’s Star Dad in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The resemblance is uncanny. Photo: Getty Images

Seemingly doubling down on his commitment to pulpy, old-fashioned sci-fi, James Gunn wants Kurt Russell (Escape From New York, The Thing, Stargate) to play Chris Pratt’s father in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. According to the WrapRussell is Gunn’s top choice for the role, though Marvel hasn’t yet formally offered him the part. We’ve known that Pratt’s father would be a key character in the Guardians sequel ever since the end of the first film, where, before that post-credits scene with dancing baby Groot, we learned that Peter Quill, a.k.a. “Star-Lord,” is only half-human, and his father is a member of an ancient and powerful species (in the comics, Star-Lord’s father J’son is a Spartoi, but who knows if Marvel can pay Chris Pratt enough to say that on-camera?). Russell would join a cast that already includes Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, as well as newcomer Pom Klementieff. Filming is expected to begin next year, with a release planned for May 5, 2017.

James Gunn Wants Kurt Russell for Pratt’s Dad