An exclusive image from the Chris Pratt Mercy movie reveals the actor’s latest thriller role, in which he plays a detective battling to clear his name against an AI-powered judge. Timur Bekmambetov directs this Amazon MGM Studios feature, due to premiere on January 23, 2026, placing Pratt in a race against time and artificial intelligence in the courtroom spotlight.
Chris Pratt Tackles an AI-Controlled Court
The Chris Pratt Mercy movie positions the actor as Detective Raymond, who is accused of his wife’s murder and forced to prove his innocence to a non-human judge portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson. The film’s central concept draws on the fictional Mercy Capital Court system, which Pratt’s character previously promoted for its supposed reduction of human errors in trials. Suddenly becoming a defendant, Detective Raymond’s trust in AI justice is deeply tested.
Amazon MGM Studios has given audiences a glimpse of Pratt in character prior to his arrest, hinting at his initial dedication to law enforcement. The newly released trailer intensifies the intrigue, showcasing the system’s promise and the peril it represents for those who must rely on its judgment.
Cast and Upcoming Release Date
Mercy features a notable ensemble alongside Pratt and Ferguson, including Kenneth Choi, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan, and Kali Reis. Marco van Belle is credited for penning the screenplay. The film arrives in theaters during a quieter movie season, sharing its opening weekend with Return to Silent Hill, The Dreamer Cinderella, and Claire Foy’s drama H is for Hawk. One week later, audiences can expect the release of Send Help, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien.
With relatively little competition from other major blockbusters, Mercy is well-positioned to attract viewers familiar with its high-profile leads. The release window allows the film to stand out before a new wave of titles debuts in subsequent weeks.
Recent Career Highlights for the Stars
Chris Pratt, following his breakout role on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, has solidified his reputation in the sci-fi and action genres thanks to leading parts in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and the Jurassic World franchise. More recently, Pratt lent his voice to the million-selling Super Mario Bros. Movie, which is also anticipated to have a sequel in 2026. In addition to the Chris Pratt Mercy movie, he is set to return with The Terminal List season 2 and has several unannounced projects in development.
Rebecca Ferguson, meanwhile, maintains a packed slate for 2026 after working with Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow on A House of Dynamite. Famous for her performances in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films and her breakout in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and The Greatest Showman, Ferguson is also involved in high-profile upcoming projects. These include the Peaky Blinders sequel The Immortal Man, the third season of Silo, another installment in the Dune saga, and The Magic Faraway Tree.
Industry Expectations and Potential Impact
The timing of Mercy’s release gives it a potential advantage, as fewer big releases compete for attention in theaters during this period. Backed by Amazon MGM’s promotional strategy, the film draws intrigue not just for its leading cast, but also for its exploration of artificial intelligence in the justice system—a topic increasingly relevant to contemporary audiences.
As anticipation builds, the Chris Pratt Mercy movie may pave the way for more films examining technology’s role in society, particularly within legal and ethical debates. Audience reception to this AI-centric thriller will likely influence future projects that interrogate the line between human judgment and automated decision-making.
