Key Takeaways:
– Chris Pratt’s early acting career included a role in Rae Dawn Chong’s lesser-known horror short, ‘Cursed: Part III.’
– His encounter with Chong and involvement with the shelved project gave a humble beginning to Pratt’s career.
– Despite not boosting his fame, this experience provided a stepping stone for his future roles, ultimately propelling him to stardom.
Before the Name ‘Star Lord’
Before embarking on intergalactic adventures in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy as Star Lord, Chris Pratt lived through years of struggle. His tale is a classic story of an actor starting from humble beginnings. Unknown to many, Pratt’s acting journey began with a minor role in a forgotten horror short, titled ‘Cursed: Part III’, directed by Rae Dawn Chong.
A Fateful Encounter with Rae Dawn Chong
Post dropping out of community college, Pratt’s chance encounter with Canadian-American actress Rae Dawn Chong in Hawai’i, where he worked as a waiter, changed the trajectory of his life. A bold conversation between the pair led Chong to offer Pratt an acting role in her directorial debut.
The Journey to LA and Cursed: Part III
Chong’s offer was a golden opportunity for the young actor, but the lack of funds to pay for his flight tickets almost led him to decline. Chong stepped in to purchase his tickets, affirming Pratt’s talent. His reading went well, and he landed the leading role in ‘Cursed: Part III,’ an ambitious horror short film Chong was writing and directing.
‘Cursed: Part III’: The Doomed Future
Created in 2000, ‘Cursed: Part III’ pitched a unique narrative within the horror genre. It depicted the ambitions of a young filmmaker aiming to create her own ‘Blair Witch Project’-esque mockumentary. However, the commercial success of the actual ‘Blair Witch Project’ overshadowed Chong’s film, leading to its unfortunate shelving post-completion.
Online Release and Reception
Eventually, the 25-minute film found its way online thanks to Eastern Video Productions, introducing a fresh audience to ‘Cursed: Part III.’ This film wasn’t a career-defining break for Pratt but rather a crucial stepping stone. Despite its lack of critical or commercial success, the film holds an important place in Pratt’s journey, even though he referred to it as “the worst movie I’d ever seen.”
A Glimpse into Pratt’s Early Career Days
“Cursed: Part III” may not have pushed Pratt into the limelight, but it opened the door to the world of acting for him, setting the stage for bigger roles and greater fame. After this film, Pratt began appearing in several minor roles, slowly but steadily making a name for himself in Hollywood. Today, he continues to be a recognizable and celebrated figure, starring in multiple blockbuster franchises.
Conclusion
Despite the initial struggles and career intimidation, Chris Pratt’s fascinating journey from “Cursed: Part III” to being a globally recognized figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is proof that every step counts. Viewers can take a trip down memory lane and witness the early days of Pratt’s career as “Cursed: Part III” is currently available for streaming on Vimeo.
