Chris Pratt praises veterans for their exceptional dedication and professionalism on the set of the Amazon Prime series THE TERMINAL LIST. Speaking in 2023, Pratt highlighted how former military personnel, particularly Navy SEALs, bring an unmatched work ethic and discipline to the entertainment industry behind and in front of the camera, creating a unique and effective collaboration.
Veterans Bring Discipline and Focus to Film Production
On the Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast, Pratt described the strong presence of veterans on the production team of THE TERMINAL LIST. He noted that the crew and cast include many former military members who excel in their roles due to the rigorous training and dedication instilled by their experiences. Pratt said,
“Our room is populated with a bunch of veterans. We’ve got people in front of the camera, behind the camera who are all veterans. They work, man. And that, the pipeline of like going from military to the film and television industry is — it’s such a great outlet for these guys.”
The actor emphasized the reliability and efficiency veterans bring to the set.
“Cause they are just like, they just get s— done. You know? If you ask, ‘Hey, handle this.’ They’re like, ‘Got it.’ You don’t have to follow up the next day. And they’re not like, ‘Oh, actually, it’s kind of like, I think stuff’s going on. Like, first of all, you have to understand what happened.’ It’s like, ‘No, they just get s— done.’ It’s amazing,”
Pratt remarked.
The Terminal List: A Role Rooted in Military Experience
In THE TERMINAL LIST, Pratt stars as James Reece, a Navy SEAL Commander who embarks on a journey of vengeance after the mysterious deaths of his entire platoon. The series follows Reece as he operates outside the military chain of command, using tactics and lessons learned from nearly twenty years of warfare to track down those responsible for the loss of his team. The season’s synopsis explains,
“Free from the military’s command structure, Reece applies the lessons he’s learned from nearly two decades of warfare to hunt down the people responsible.”
Pratt’s appreciation for real veterans serving in the industry grows deeper as he witnesses their ability to translate battlefield skills into film production and training actors. He reflected,
“What they’re capable of doing, it’s very specific and kind of narrow in terms of application, unless you’re gonna go do private security for somebody where you need to be on your toes and be willing and capable of delivering lethal force to protect something.”
He went on to describe the cathartic effect of veterans channeling their military training into creative arts:
“To see them using their training — but in service of art — it’s been amazing to see this sort…this catharsis, because these are guys who have millions of dollars worth of training pumped into each one of them. And then to put that training into making actors know how to handle weapons systems [and] move properly.”
A Star-Studded Team Behind THE TERMINAL LIST
Season 1 of THE TERMINAL LIST debuted on Amazon Prime Video in 2022, featuring a talented ensemble that includes Constance Wu, Taylor Kitsch, Riley Keough, Arlo Mertz, and Jeanne Tripplehorn. Acclaimed directors Antoine Fuqua, Ellen Kuras, MJ Bassett, Fred Toye, Tucker Gates, and Sylvain White contributed to the series’ direction, with Pratt serving as a producer as well.
The series received critical attention for its intense action and nuanced portrayal of military themes. One review from Movieguide® highlighted episode six, titled “Transience,” noting,
“THE TERMINAL LIST: ‘Transience’ grabs viewers by using dream-like flashbacks, intense action and compelling acting. These elements build suspense. Darker colors reveal Reece’s mental state and struggle with PTSD. The episode has a strong moral, patriotic worldview. Reece continues to pursue truth and justice despite the evil and lies surrounding him. While his methods cause him to flee authorities and create destruction, his desire for truth is admirable. ‘Transience’ promotes family, helping veterans after they return from combat, pursuing truth no matter the cost, and protecting the sanctity of innocent human lives. MOVIEGUIDE® advises extreme caution, however, for too much strong foul language.”
Continued Success: Expanding the Franchise
In August 2025, a prequel series titled THE TERMINAL LIST: DARK WOLF premiered, further expanding the storyline and examining events before the main series. Like its predecessor, the new series retained a “strong moral and patriotic worldview,” though it was likewise noted for its depiction of strong language and violence. Both series are available for streaming on Prime Video, continuing to attract audiences interested in military drama infused with action and emotional depth.
Veterans’ Transition from Battlefield to Hollywood
Pratt’s recognition of veterans’ contributions underscores a growing trend of military personnel making successful transitions into entertainment careers. Shows like THE TERMINAL LIST and SEAL TEAM benefit from the real-life experience veterans bring, not only lending authenticity to performances but also guiding technical aspects such as weapon handling and tactical movement.
This shift provides returning veterans with meaningful outlets beyond direct combat roles, tapping into skills cultivated during service and offering new professional opportunities. As Pratt explained, this transition goes beyond typical job roles, serving as “a catharsis” and a creative expression channel for individuals who have undergone intense and highly specialized training.
The Impact of Veteran Involvement in Film and Television
The presence of veterans on productions like THE TERMINAL LIST adds a layer of realism and respect for military culture that resonates with viewers. Their dedication enhances both on-screen portrayal and behind-the-scenes efforts, elevating the quality and authenticity of military-themed shows. This growing collaboration encourages more veterans to consider roles within the entertainment industry, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between Hollywood and the military community.
Chris Pratt’s praise for veterans’ behind-the-scenes work ethic highlights the importance of their role in shaping these productions, directly influencing the success of projects that seek to portray military life with accuracy and honor. His comments also bring awareness to the value of supporting veterans as they reintegrate into civilian industries, especially those that can benefit from their unique expertise and determination.
