The following contains spoilers for The Franchise season 1 episode 5, “Scene 83: Enter the Gurgler,” now streaming on MaxThe Franchise’sdark take on actors like Chris Pratt highlights the show’s approach to character comedy.The Franchisehas been a cutting parody of the film industry, taking particular aim at how superhero franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe operate. The show has so far been a harsh riff on the more ruthless and absurd underbelly of blockbuster filmmaking, withsly commentary on angry fan reactions, industry exhaustion and studio interference. It’s been a harsh satire that’s been unafraid to take a solid comic hammer to the shared cinematic universe.
The latest addition toThe Franchise’s cast of charactersis a harsh actor who shares a history with Billy Magnussen’s Adam, but seems to have a very low opinion of the actor.This guest role actually has some notable connections to one of the MCU’s stars, although the show shifts him into a much more unique (and mean-spirited character). Here’s howThe Franchiseuses the backstory of a MCU star as the groundwork for an antagonistic character.
The Gurgler’s Backstory In The Franchise, Explained
Nick Kroll’sThe FranchiseCharacter Stirs The Pot On An Already Volatile Set
Kyle quietly works as a dark take on actors like Chris Prattand their career trajectory. Played by Nick Kroll, Kyle is the big-name cameo from the overarchingCenturios 2 series set to tieTectomore overtly to the superhero franchise. The Gurgler is one of the franchise’s big heroes, albeit one that the audience is less excited about than the mainline heroes. Still, the cameo of the “throat-based proton blob” spitting superhero is meant to be a life preserver to the troubled production, which just went through a new series of public threats following a change in the story. Even compared to the rest ofThe Franchise’s chaotic production, Kyle’s presence complicated an already tense vibe.
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Kyle doesn’t quickly unsettles multiple aspects of the production, undermining his former co-star Adam in front of the entire production while also unknowingly setting the seeds for Eric the director’s breakdown and transformation into a “difficult director.” Effectively serving as an in-joke about the way franchises like the MCU have used Avenger-affiliated cameos in smaller films likeAnt-Man,Kyle’s backstory is a harsher version of a real life MCU career trajectory.
The Gurgler’s History In The Franchise Mirrors Chris Pratt’s Career
Two Goofy Sitcom Stars Who Lost Weight And Became On-Screen Superheroes
AlthoughThe Franchisetakes a much darker and over-the-top approach to the character, Kyle has some similarities to the career trajectory of Chris Pratt. As he reveals during his introductory scene, Kyle formerly co-starred on the in-universe sitcomBread and Butterwith Adam. At the time,Kyle was a far more portly performer, with the early 2000’s sitcom apparently playing a lot of jokes about his appearance before he slimmed down.
Kyle has some similarities to the career trajectory of Chris Pratt.
Chris Pratt similarly came to prominence with his role as Andy onParks & Rec, a goofy and chubby staff member. When he was cast as Star-Lord in the MCU, however, Pratt’s work-out regiment helped elevate him into a more bankable action star. The show reflected this, but Pratt has since primarily appeared in films. In a similar fashion, it seems thatKyle went through a physical transformation and became a member of the marquee superhero franchise. It’s a quietly reflective way to take inspiration from real life superhero franchise actors while still using them to create wholly different characters.
The Gurgler Is A Darker Character Than Chris Pratt’s Public Persona
The Gurgler Is A Dark Character With A Personality Very Different From Pratt
Despite these functional similarities, Kyle’s cameo in the superhero filmTectosets up Nick Kroll’s character to be a far darker figure than how Pratt’s public presence. AlthoughChris Pratt’s previous association with the Hillsong Church has received backlash, he’s never been accused of the immature and vindictive choices Kyle makes in “Scene 83: Enter the Gurgler.” Instead, Kyle is played with a far harsher edge that separates him from Pratt’s more genial public persona.His immediate connection and rapport with Richard E. Grant’s overtly offensive actor Peter is a clue towards his personality.
Kyle’s verbal attack on Adam is a harsh moment that makes the set worse, and leaves things with Adam in a strange place after apologizing for his harsh words with a kiss and profession of love under the feigned motivation of a “joke.” By contrast,Pratt has been supported by many of his MCU co-stars, suggesting he lacks the elements that make Kyle a generally detestable figure on set. It’s interesting how amidThe Franchise’s sardonic approach to the industry that the writers are finding unique ways to develop true elements of the franchise into the groundwork for new characters.
The Franchise
Cast
The Franchise is a Max original comedy television series that follows a film crew as they document their increasingly chaotic and hectic work on a Superhero film franchise. Acting as a satire on the industry, the show looks to lampoon the process and the sometimes unreasonable expectations of keeping a long-standing franchise alive and kicking.
