When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are dozens of heroes floating around the franchise. The massive series has introduced a slew of earthbound heroes like the Avengers, and the cosmos has also got some love from the Guardians of the Galaxy. Director James Gunn brought the extraterrestrial series to life a few years back with Chris Pratt taking charge as Star-Lord. However, the role could have easily gone to another geek-friendly actor. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Rosenbaum is opening up about his Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 work and his screen-test for Star-Lord.

When Rosenbaum was asked about auditioning for Peter Quill for the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, the actor was quick to admit he was beyond nervous for the test.

“Yes, I was nervous as sh*t,” he said. “You’re sitting there with one of your best friends who’s directing a huge movie, who knows your ability and said, ‘I wanna see your take on Peter Quill.’ Now the pressure’s on. I just had to shut it off … I remember coming up with my own dance for the Star-Lord dance scene. I had a great partner, it felt really organic right from the start.” However, there’s no bad blood between Rosenbaum and Pratt because of Star-Lord. The latter secured the leading role some years back, but Rosenbaum has since been given his own Guardians of the Galaxy role. In Gunn’s recent sequel, the former Smallville star was cast as an original Guardians of the Galaxy member named Martinex.

“You know, I didn't really care about getting the part,” Rosenbaum said about Star-Lord. “I didn’t know anything about the Guardians comics. I just wanted to do a good job for James.” “The way I look at it...I was privileged to be one of the few people that got to screen test. I was so honored and grateful that James had me audition.”