In an unexpected turn, Chris Pratt is trading his action hero roles for a new venture: a series of comedy shorts that delve into American history. Joining him is the esteemed presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwincreating a dynamic duo that promises to make history both entertaining and accessible.
The project is spearheaded by the digital media studio ATTN:known for its innovative approach to public education. Emmy-winning producer Alex Gregoryrenowned for his work on Veep and White House Plumbersis at the helm as producer. The series will follow Pratt as he navigates the complexities of American history, with Goodwin serving as the guiding expert, ensuring accuracy and depth.
The Vision Behind the Project
The comedy shorts are designed to be a public diplomacy initiativeaiming to engage international audiences with America’s constitutional values and history through modern digital storytelling. Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Public Diplomacy and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairsthe series is part of a broader effort to inform and engage foreign publics about America through various media and educational programs.
ATTN: co-founder and CEO Matthew Segal expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, At ATTN:, we’re always looking for new ways to make important topics accessible to broader audiences.
The series, set to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, offers a unique opportunity to reintroduce the stories and principles that shaped the nation.
A Unique Blend of Humor and History
The still-untitled series has been playfully nicknamed a Faster Class for U.S. history. Each episode will explore a defining constitutional value through the story of a pivotal historical figure or event. The shorts will blend live action and animation, combining Pratt’s comedic timing and Goodwin’s historical expertise to highlight America’s founding ideals.
This initiative comes at a time when public support for the humanities has faced significant challenges. With the second term of Donald Trump as president, the National Endowment for the Arts and other cultural agencies have been under threat. The defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)led by Elon Muskhad previously targeted such programs, but Congress has recently acted to uphold budgets for these vital institutions.
The Impact and Reach
ATTN: has a proven track record of partnering with leaders across the political spectrum, including Barack ObamaBill Clintonand their spouses, as well as figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ann Romney. Founded in 2014, the company has established itself as a nonpartisan voice in civic engagement and public education.
The comedy shorts are set to be distributed through U.S. embassies and consulates worldwideensuring a global reach. This strategic distribution aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of American history and values among international audiences.
As the project moves forward, the collaboration between Chris Pratt and Doris Kearns Goodwin is poised to create a unique and engaging educational experience. By blending humor and history, the series promises to make American constitutional values and historical narratives more accessible and enjoyable for audiences around the world.
