Chris Pratt recently shared a memorable and nerve-wracking experience from his audition for the 2011 sports drama Moneyball,
a moment that saw him boldly kicking Brad Pitt out of the room.
The Guardians of the Galaxy star reflected on the high-pressure situation during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show,
offering a humorous yet insightful look into the unpredictable nature of Hollywood auditions.
Pratt, who eventually landed the role of baseball player Scott Hatteberg in the Oscar-nominated film,
recalled the tension he felt while auditioning in front of director Bennett Miller and Pitt, the film’s lead star and producer.
A High-Stakes Audition
“I’m in this audition room with Brad Pitt and Bennett Miller, and I’m as nervous as you can possibly imagine,” Pratt began, describing the daunting environment.
While Pitt’s presence alone would be intimidating for most actors, it was Miller’s approach to directing that made the moment even more intense. “He’s a really wonderful director, but he’s kind of a pain in the ass… even he knows that! He’s kind of complicated,” Pratt joked.
Adding to the pressure, Miller was less than impressed with Pratt’s initial performance. “He was sitting back with his feet up on his desk, just watching me do the scene. He goes: ‘Yeah, it just kind of feels like you’re auditioning for this role. You know, this is supposed to be your house, and it feels like you’re a guy who’s auditioning next to Brad Pitt, and you’re nervous about it.’”
Turning the Tables
Rather than letting the critique shake his confidence, Pratt seized the moment in a way only he could. “I was like: ‘Okay.’ And I said: ‘Well, then how about this? This is my house, and you can start by taking your f***ing feet off my desk!’”
He went even further, adding, “I kicked him out, and I said: ‘You, Brad, get out! You guys go knock on the door and come back in then we’ll do the audition!’ And it worked!”
The anecdote drew laughter from The Graham Norton Show audience and guest host Claudia Winkleman, who was filling in for Norton while he took an extended break to perform An Evening With Graham Norton in Australia.
From Audition to Stardom
Pratt’s bold move clearly paid off, as he won the role in Moneyball, a film that went on to receive six Academy Award nominations. His portrayal of Scott Hatteberg, a real-life baseball player known for overcoming challenges, proved to be a turning point in his career.
Fast forward to today, Pratt has established himself as a major Hollywood star, known for his roles in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. He currently stars in Netflix’s sci-fi action film The Electric State, though it has received mixed reviews from critics.
A Future in Comedy?
Pratt’s quick wit and ability to improvise in high-stakes situations have always set him apart. Fans continue to appreciate his humorous and candid storytelling, making moments like these an essential part of his charm.
Meanwhile, Winkleman’s guest-hosting stint on The Graham Norton Show has also been met with praise, with some viewers joking that Norton “could be out of a job soon.”
Chris Pratt’s Moneyball audition story is a perfect example of how confidence, humor, and a little bit of audacity can sometimes be the key to success in Hollywood.
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