Why Chris Pratt Kept Off The Weight After Zero Dark Thirty

chris pratt shirtless in guardians of the galaxy

Before we knew him as Chris Pratt: movie star, Pratt was just a likable, goofy and somewhat overweight side character on NBC's Parks and Recreation. It was during his time on the show that Chris Pratt was offered a role in Zero Dark Thirty playing a Navy SEAL who was a key part of the raid on Osama Bin Laden's hideaway. This gig required him to be in shape, and he's kept the weight off in the time since. Recently, the actor explained exactly why he stayed in shape after Zero Dark Thirty, and the answer definitely isn't for health reasons. Here's what Pratt had to say:

I've learned not to overestimate how deep the audience is--that, as an actor, a big part of it is looking as good as you can.

If you've been keeping tabs on Chris Pratt lately, you may already know that the actor has had to stay in peak shape, thanks to taking on roles in two upcoming action-oriented blockbusters Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Jurassic World 2. (He's also going to be in the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War.) If you look at all of these roles, the studios were looking for a fit and handsome dude who could not only look good on the big screen but could also handle the physicality of the gig. Pratt told Cigar Aficionado that looking good is just part of taking on jobs such as that, and who can really pass up the opportunity to take roles in giant franchises? The paycheck is certainly good and movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy can also make an actor a household name.

Of course, it takes hard work to stay in great shape. Chris Pratt has been spending plenty of time in recent months introducing us to the horrors of his diet through his "What's My Snack" social media segments. This includes some well-known snacks, like juices, but also stuff like "cacao baobab banana chia," which is both difficult to pronounce and not all that delectable sounding. Luckily, he seems to take the whole weight loss thing in stride, and has even joked around about how people have responded to his newer shape.

Earlier in Chris Pratt's career, he was known as a heartthrob on shows like The O.C. and especially Everwood. So it's not like all of this attention on his physique is a totally new concept for the actor. Regardless, we still sometimes miss the slightly more portly version of Pratt Pratt, and we're pretty darn sure he misses eating whatever he wants, at least on occasion.

Be sure to catch Chris Pratt in pretty darn good shape when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters on May 5. To learn more about the film, take a look at what we know. Or check out what other blockbusters are coming this summer with our full movies schedule.

Jessica Rawden
Managing Editor

Jessica Rawden is Managing Editor at CinemaBlend. She’s been kicking out news stories since 2007 and joined the full-time staff in 2014. She oversees news content, hiring and training for the site, and her areas of expertise include theme parks, rom-coms, Hallmark (particularly Christmas movie season), reality TV, celebrity interviews and primetime. She loves a good animated movie. Jessica has a Masters in Library Science degree from Indiana University, and used to be found behind a reference desk most definitely not shushing people. She now uses those skills in researching and tracking down information in very different ways.