Chris Pratt has evolved into a true superstar over the years, whether it’s leading a significant role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy or dominating Prime Video’s viewership charts with The Terminal List (which is also getting its own spinoff this year with The Terminal List: Dark Wolf).
While many will highlight Pratt’s years on Parks and Recreation as his breakout role, there’s another series that hinted at his eventual rise to stardom: The Huntress. Based on Christopher Keene‘s biography about bounty hunter Dottie Thorson, The Huntress features Annette O’Toole portraying Thorson. After her husband died, Thorson and her daughter Brandi took up his bounty-hunting work. So how does Pratt fit into this story?
Chris Pratt Displays Roguish Charm and Depth in ‘The Huntress’
Pratt first appears in The Huntress episode “Who Are You?”, when the Thorsons must confront criminal Dana Weatherly (Robbie Benson) seeking revenge against them. During this time, they are contacted by their neighbors, the Barretts, as their daughter runs off with her boyfriend Nick (Pratt). Initially, Nick appears to be a stereotypical slacker, but as the episode progresses, he gradually reveals a darker and more abusive side. Pratt effectively utilizes this role, showcasing the roguish charm that would later characterize his portrayal of Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy and the darker elements of James Reece in The Terminal List. It’s important to note that this was a minor role in a B-plot of an ongoing series, yet he still managed to stand out significantly!
Foreshadowing Pratt’s future involvement with comic book media, The Huntress features a writing team that would go on to influence other genre shows. Bruno Heller, who wrote the pilot movie and most episodes, would later create Gotham. Tracey Forbes contributed to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while Chris Black went on to co-create and serve as showrunner for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The most significant connection to comics is with Gerry Conway, who wrote most of The Huntress.
Conway’s comic credentials are legendary: he co-created The Punisher and penned the infamous “Death of Gwen Stacy” story in Amazing Spider-Man, as well as co-creating Jason Todd, who would become the antihero known as the Red Hood. Given the premise of The Huntress and its shared name with a DC superheroine, this connection is particularly fitting.
After ‘The Huntress,’ Chris Pratt Started To Pick Up More TV Roles
Image via NBC
The Huntress led Pratt to take on significant roles in other TV shows, starting with Everwood. In this series, Pratt not only displayed the goofy charm that would earn him the lead role as Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, but he also appeared in all 89 episodes. Continuing his association with future comic book media, Pratt and future MCU alum Emily VanCamp would portray siblings; creator Greg Berlanti , who would later help develop the Arrowverse, was behind Everwood.
Pratt also had a prominent role in the final season ofThe OC , playing animal rights activist Ché Cook, although by then the Fox drama was nearing its end. Eventually, he made his way toParks and Recreation, where co-creator Michael Schur revealed that Andy was originally not intended to be a major character: “We initially conceived Andy as a character who would fade away after six episodes or so, but Chris was so fantastic we had to make him full-time — and we decided that right after casting him. It felt like a waste to have him around for such a short time.”
Chris Pratt’s journey to blockbuster stardom has been unusual and tumultuous, beginning withThe Huntress.This serves as evidence that there are no small parts on television, as even a cameo or supporting role can showcase a performer’s depth of talent.
The Huntress is available for viewing on Plex.
The Huntress
- Release Date
-
2000 – 2000
- Directors
-
Robby Benson, Joshua Butler, Stephen Lighthill
- <strongWriters
- >
<>
Chris Black, Bruno Heller, Jack Bernstein, Larry Brody
<>
<- >
<>
<- >
<>
<
< - >
<
