Denzel Washington thinks Chris Pratt is one of the most "special" actors he has ever worked with.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt

The Oscar-winning star admits his 'Magnificent Seven' co-star and screen legend Tom Hanks are the two people he would single out most as having a particular gift to impress audiences.

He said: "In my career, I've worked with two actors who I could tell had that something special that would resonate with audiences - Tom Hanks and Chris Pratt."

Meanwhile, 'Passengers' director Morten Tyldum has compared his leading man - who stars in the film opposite Jennifer Lawrence - to Harrison Ford because they share a "vulnerability".

He said: "I would say Harrison Ford. I always felt Harrison Ford looked like he's about to shoot himself when he's carrying his own gun. He always looked afraid, he's not just this tough guy, you know?

"And that's something Chris had - that masculinity, but also vulnerability."

And Chris' 'Guardians of the Galaxy' director James Gunn also admires the star's "vulnerability", but he admitted the actor needed reassurance that he has a "natural charisma" that carries his performance.

He told GQ magazine: "He has a need to juggle, a need to entertain, to be fidgeting around, to always be entertaining and funny... but it worked against us for a good portion of the movie.

"What made the difference between Chris Pratt sidekick and Chris Pratt movie star was just letting him trust himself that he does have this natural charisma, this natural vulnerability, so you can just get out the way. You don't always need to do everything.

"He has that old Gary Cooper-style charm, but also there's a vulnerability that's very modern and separates him from big movie stars of the last 10, 20 years."