The climb to play a popular superhero role is not only for Dwayne Johnson or Channing Tatum. Adam Brody has also gone through a unique journey. It is a little ironic because his character Seth Cohen from The O.C. is a passionate geek.
Brody even worked in a comic book shop. Given this background, it seems natural for him to play a real superhero. However, this opportunity came much later than he expected.
Brody’s first attempt to join a comic book movie happened back in 2007. He was supposed to star in George Miller’s canceled project, Justice League: Mortal. A little-known fact is that he also auditioned for James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
Although he did not join that film series, he later found his superhero break in the now-defunct DCEU with Shazam!. While he would have been a great Star-Lord, this journey shows he is eager to be part of these comic book universes.
Adam Brody Auditioned for the Role of Star-Lord in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ Yes, Brody did not just audition for any role; he wanted to play Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord.
Chris Pratt eventually got the part, although he also appeared on The O.C. as Ché. Looking back, playing Star-Lord would have been perfect for Brody. His career shows he can play charming geeky characters who end up in awkward situations.
From The O.C. to Scream 4 and Ready or Not, Brody is someone you’d want by your side in trouble. Many of his roles, even if morally questionable, have heart, and he portrays them with charm. These traits would have fit well with Gunn’s vision and the MCU’s take on Quill.
However, Chris Pratt made the role of Quill completely his own. Pratt’s version of Star-Lord is equally goofy and lovable, even if he is more muscular. Brody was familiar with superhero excitement.
When he was linked to Justice League: Mortal, he was set to play Barry Allen, known as The Flash. If this version had been made, Brody would have been the first actor to play Barry on the big screen.
The troubled production had already sent cast and crew to Australia, and they held table reads and costume fittings.
Brody described his costume as “only kinda nerdy,” showing he would have fit perfectly as the speedy hero. Problems from the WGA strike and Warner Bros.’ lack of commitment to the DC Comics franchise led to the cancellation of the film.
Finally, in 2019, Brody got the chance to play a superhero. He appeared as the superhero version of Jack Dylan Grazer’s Freddy in Shazam!
His role was kept secret as it was a surprise cameo. In the final moments of the film, viewers saw Brody in all his comic book glory, along with D.J. Cotrona, who was supposed to be Superman in Justice League: Mortal.
Brody’s ability to adapt made him a great fit as the adult version of Grazer. Fortunately, this role carried over into the sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods, where he had more screen time.
If Brody had been cast in Guardians of the Galaxy, his career would have changed dramatically, leading to new heights of fame.
With the Guardians franchise now including a trilogy, a Christmas special, and a possible Star-Lord spin-off, Brody would have fit in better with the MCU than the DCEU.
Even though Brody never joined the MCU, his career is not stagnant. He currently stars in the Netflix series Nobody Wants This with Kristen Bell. Plus, we will always remember him as the lovable Seth Cohen from The O.C., and that is still pretty awesome.
