One-on-one with Chris Pratt on Guardians of the Galaxy

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Guardians of the Galaxy is not your typical Marvel movie.

There's no shortage of action, but also plenty of humor and a lot of heart - even a hint of romance involving Chris Pratt's very human and very funny Peter Quill.

"It's more about relationships and it's a title that's lesser known so I think it was a risk," Pratt said.

Such candor is typical from Chris, who got into films after a chance meeting with actress Rae Dawn Chong.

"And then I got a role and I sucked at acting so I had to start getting good at acting, you know," he said.

He was good enough to score on "Parks and Recreation" as Andy, but that meant the director of "Guardians of the Galaxy" would not even agree to have Pratt audition for the lead in his movie.

"James Gunn was like that chubby guy from "Parks & Recreation? I just don't see it," Pratt said.

And Pratt was reluctant to try out.

"I didn't think I'd be believable in this type of role. I'd auditioned for movies like this before and sorta walked away with my tail between my legs. And, I decided to save myself the embarrassment and save them the time," he said.

But his manger convinced him to try and the film's casting director snuck him in to meet her boss.

"He was like Chris Pratt? I told you 3 times I don't want to see this guy. And, I came in and I met him and he met me and within a half a minute I knew I was going to do it and he knew I was going to do it," Pratt explained.

Only one obstacle remained. Pratt didn't look the part but he had gotten ripped for his serious role in "Zero Dark 30" so the actor knew he could get in shape again, which he did.

"I made the decision. I said I was going to do it so I did it," he said.

Guardians of the Galaxy opens in theaters on Friday.