Zachary Levi Is Glad He Didn't Get 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Role

Zachary Levi is opening up about his failed audition for Guardians of the Galaxy, and is actually thankful for not getting the role of Star-Lord.

Click inside to read why Zachary Levi said he’s thankful for not getting the part…

In a new interview with The Playlist, the 41-year-old actor, who went on to play DC superhero Shazam, shared how his audition went down.

“James [Gunn] and I knew each other, we were friends, we would have game nights at each other’s homes, had a lot of mutual friends,” he started out with the story. “So he had asked me to come in and read for Star-Lord, and I did, and then that led to the next step, and then all of a sudden I was camera testing.”

He admits that he “wanted that role so bad, like so, so, so, so bad. It came down to me, one other guy, and Chris Pratt, but Chris was always their favorite and he was hesitant to take it, which is understandable, I mean it’s a big franchise thing, it’s Marvel, does it work out, does it not work out? Is this what everyone is going to know me as for the rest of my life? All of those things that go through your head.”

Ultimately, Chris did play the part. Zachary went on to appear as Fandral in Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Ragnarok.

“It didn’t go my way or anyone else’s way for that matter,” he added. “But I hoped I left enough of a good impression with James that when I was auditioning for Shazam, and his very dear friend, and manager, and sometimes producing partner, Peter Safran, calls up James because this is how our industry works… Fortunately, I was in good standing with James.”

Zach continued, “I try to be in good standing with as many people as I can be and try to be a decent person, and I think between that and how well James thought I did in the Star-Lord test.”

“‘Yeah man, you really should give Zach an opportunity at this. I really think he could be great.’ Was that the thing that sent it all over for me? I don’t know that, but I’m sure it was part of that conversation, absolutely. I’m indebted to James that he would believe in me enough to remember that and pass that info on.”

Shazam: Fury of the Gods will be out in 2023. He was just seen filming with Helen Mirren!