When Chris Pratt transformed his physique for his starring role in Guardians of the Galaxy, he instantly went from “fat friend” to heartthrob, with all of the attention that involves. In a recent interview, he admits that he doesn’t mind the objectification though, and actually thinks men need to be objectified more.
Speaking to BBC Radio Four, the actor admitted that his career has been transformed thanks to his physical changes. “A huge part of how my career has shifted is based simply on the way that I look, on the way that I’ve shaped my body to look,” he said, adding that he felt “totally” objectified.
“I think it’s OK, I don’t feel appalled by it,” he continued. “I think it’s appalling that for a long time only women were objectified, but I think if we want to really advocate for equality, it’s important to, as it turns out, not objectify women less, but just objectify men as often as we objectify women.”
“There are a lot of beautiful women who got careers out of it, and I am using it to my advantage. And at the end of the day, our bodies are objects. We’re just big bags of flesh and blood and meat and organs that God gives us to drive around.”
He also admitted that he feels “less funny” now that’s he’s ripped, explaining that it gets in the way of his own brand of humor. “You can’t really self-deprecate if you’re shirtless with a six-pack,” he explained. “That guy is a douche, he’s the worst, and he’s not funny… You want to punch that guy.”
Pratt’s comments are part of a growing discussion of the objectification of male actors. Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington argued earlier this year that it’s “demeaning” to be seen only as a hunk, while True Blood and Magic Mike’s Joe Manganiello made it clear that he doesn’t mind during an interview last month. “My life’s pretty damn good,” he said, “and if working out had anything to do with affording me the type of life I have, then bring on more.”
Pratt stars in Jurassic World, which achieved a record-breaking $511 million global opening weekend, and looks set to become one of the biggest films of all time.