For their latest juicy (and exciting) scoop, Twitch reports that Chris Pratt is in talks for “the lead role” in Kathryn Bigelow‘s upcoming Navy SEAL true life tale (often referred to by Kill Bin Laden, but currently without a new official title). Joel Edgerton was originally cast in the film, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, and Jason Clarke took on a role in November. It’s unknown if Clarke has taken on what was to be Edgerton’s role, but this news might well signal that’s not the case and that Pratt’s assumed “lead role” is the lead role. He’s an off-beat pick, but Bigelow has proven with The Hurt Locker that she’s more than capable of directing emerging talents into star-making performance (hi, Jeremy Renner, Brian Geraghty, and Anthony Mackie).
Pratt is slowly morphing into a very interesting actor who is more than able to pull off some different roles with aplomb. Consider his work in 2011 alone – playing a jerk-off in Take Me Home Tonight, a gross dude in What’s Your Number?, and a pivotal (and oddly heart-tugging) part in Moneyball, all while pulling regular duty on Parks and Recreation as one-half of my current favorite television couple (eating off Frisbees and hilarious role-play are my hallmarks of a successful relationship). But a hard-core action role with enough drama to keep intellectual hearts pounding? That’s different, and damn if I don’t like the sound of it.
Producers are reportedly aiming to start shooting the film in February, so hopefully we will get the official word on this (and maybe that pesky title) sooner rather than later.