Continuing his rise to the top of the Hollywood A-list, Guardians of the Galaxy actor Chris Pratt has landed the leading role in Universal’s upcoming series restarter Jurassic World, according to a tweet from Rush director Ron Howard, who’s also the father of Bryce Dallas Howard, another star set to appear in the film.
The tweet, which you can check out below, comes after months of speculation about whether Pratt would take over the leading role originally held by Josh Brolin. Though it’s not an official confirmation, Howard’s close enough to the film for us to buy that Pratt’s involvement is a done deal.
Bryce and Chris meet for the 1st time on red carpet they will be co-stars in next Juraissic pic.twitter.com/Pu1nUI9SNG
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) January 13, 2014
Pratt has enjoyed a tremendous amount of popularity ever since appearing as fan favorite character Andy Dwyer on NBC’s acclaimed ‘mockumentary’ Parks and Recreation, which is currently in its sixth season. He can next be heard as the voice of protagonist Emmet in The LEGO Movie, due next month, then seen as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, the hero at the center of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, out in August.
Aside from Pratt and Dallas Howard, Jurassic World is confirmed to star Nick Robinson (The Kings of Summer) and Ty Simpkins (Iron Man 3). Jake Johnson (New Girl) has also been rumored to have a role in the film, though Pratt’s casting may mean that the role Johnson was being eyed for has now been filled.
Very little is known about the plot of the film, which picks up the storyline of Jurassic Park 22 years later. Director Colin Trevorrow, who also co-wrote the script with Derek Connolly, has teased that Jurassic World will be “a new sci-fi terror adventure,” but no other plot details have surfaced.
Filming is set to start in Louisiana on June 2nd, for a release date in the packed summer of 2015. With its current slot, the film will arrive around the same time as other series heavyweights like the Josh Trank-helmed Fantastic Four reboot and a follow-up to Universal’s raunchy comedy smash Ted.
What do you make of Pratt’s casting? Are you a fan of the actor, or do his often immature characters rub you the wrong way? Let us know in the comments section!
Jurassic World will open its gates on June 12, 2015.
