Chris Pratt's Intense Sci-Fi Thriller 'Mercy' Unveils First Trailer at NYCC 2025

Amazon MGM Studios' new sci-fi detective thriller, Mercy, debuted its gripping first trailer at New York Comic Con, offering a glimpse into Chris Pratt's dramatic new role.

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, a panel featuring Chris Pratt, Kali Reis, director Timur Bekmambetov, and producer Charles Roven took the stage at New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. They discussed the highly anticipated film and revealed the initial footage to an eager audience.

The film, which was first announced at the beginning of 2024, is now slated for a theatrical and IMAX release on January 23, 2026. Its debut trailer brings the movie closer to its official premiere, nearly two years after its initial announcement.

Mercy is already generating buzz, not only for its star-studded cast but also for its timely exploration of artificial intelligence in the justice system.

Chris Pratt Faces an AI Judge in the Near-Future Setting of 'Mercy'

Set in the year 2029, Mercy throws Chris Pratt into a profoundly different kind of role. He plays Detective Raven, an LAPD homicide detective who finds himself in a nightmarish scenario.

Raven wakes up strapped to an execution chair, on trial for the murder of his wife. He has a mere 90 minutes to prove his innocence to Judge Maddox, an advanced AI system portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson.

This AI judge is particularly significant because Detective Raven himself helped create the "Mercy program" that utilizes it. The program was designed to use AI to enhance efficiency in addressing the rise of capital crime in Los Angeles, but now Raven is its subject.

Pratt described his character as "a homicide detective in the near future, and a guy who has seen a lot, been through a lot." He noted that this role is a significant "departure" for him, pushing him into a "dark and very vulnerable character in a very dramatic story," according to director Timur Bekmambetov.

Rebecca Ferguson, though not present at the NYCC panel, sent a video message teasing "mind-blowing footage." Her character, Judge Maddox, is described as smart, with the audience gradually discovering her "heart," or lack thereof.

Kali Reis plays Raven's partner, who helps him retrace his steps. Reis mentioned her character is "very loyal" but also has hidden depths the audience will discover, all rooted in her belief in the AI court system.

Image: Chris Pratt as Detective Raven in a tense scene from the Mercy trailer.

Exploring the Ethical Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence in 'Mercy'

The film delves into critical questions about the role of artificial intelligence in society, especially concerning justice and morality. Director Timur Bekmambetov highlighted the movie's real-time narrative, spanning 90 minutes, as a powerful storytelling tool.

Bekmambetov stated that "AI is knocking on the door" in today's world, and the film serves as a metaphor for our current lack of understanding about how AI will integrate into human life. He pondered whether AI will be a friend, an enemy, or even a "child" that needs to be taught how to behave.

Producer Charles Roven echoed these sentiments, noting the rapid acceleration of AI development since the film's inception. He explained that when the project was first pitched, AI was a topic of discussion, but by the time filming began, companies were actively implementing AI solutions.

Roven believes that as 2029 approaches, the film's premise will become increasingly relevant and "true." He anticipates that audiences will leave the theater debating the ethical implications of an AI system capable of amalgamating evidence and determining guilt or innocence instantly.

The core question the movie poses, according to Roven, is whether such an AI-driven system is inherently good or bad, and what it means for human concepts of time and space in justice.

Image: Rebecca Ferguson's AI Judge Maddox on display, overseeing the trial in Mercy.

Innovative Filming Techniques Bring 'Mercy's Vision to Life

The production of Mercy employed several cutting-edge and unconventional methods to immerse viewers in its near-future world. Director Timur Bekmambetov, known for his "Screenlife" films, embraced a unique blend of practical and virtual production.

Pratt revealed that a significant portion of his performance involved acting while physically strapped into the execution chair, creating a "natural claustrophobia" that enhanced his portrayal of the character. The movie was shot almost like a "stage play," with takes sometimes lasting 50 to 70 minutes, challenging the actors in a new way.

The film incorporates "sometimes up to 1,000 screens" in front of Pratt's character, displaying his digital life over the past decade as evidence. This required shooting extensive "screen life" footage, including social media interactions, FaceTime calls, and security footage, all used against him.

Interactions with his partner, played by Kali Reis, were facilitated through a "very high production value Zoom session." Reis was filmed on a separate set, and her image was projected for Pratt to interact with, effectively making her a "projection hologram" in his scene.

The production also utilized a "volume stage," combining footage shot downtown in Los Angeles with virtual production elements. Producer Roven described a scene involving a truck hitting a cop car that careens into a building, which was shot for real on the volume stage, almost endangering the crew due to the intensity and speed of filming.

Perhaps most innovatively, Bekmambetov stated that "robodogs" were used for filming crowd scenes, possibly a first in cinema history. He explained that these robotic cameras could be directed to film specific subjects within a crowd, offering unique perspectives.

Audiences are highly encouraged to see Mercy in IMAX, as the panelists emphasized its immersive experience. Roven promised that the screens displaying evidence would "not just come at you in a 2D way," but would appear to "come at you out of the motion picture screen into the audience," heightening Pratt's character's experience.

Image: An illustration of the innovative robodog cameras deployed during the filming of Mercy.

The Dynamic Cast and Experienced Creative Team Behind 'Mercy'

The film's compelling cast is a major draw. Chris Pratt leads as Detective Raven, continuing his busy year after filming the new season of The Terminal List and starring in its offshoot, Dark Wolf.

Rebecca Ferguson, known for her powerful performances in projects like Silo and the Mission Impossible series, takes on the pivotal role of AI Judge Maddox. Annabelle Wallis, recognized from films like Malignant, is also part of the cast, along with Kali Reis, Chris Sullivan, and Kylie Rogers.

Timur Bekmambetov directs Mercy from a script by Marco van Belle. Bekmambetov is a visionary Kazakh-Russian filmmaker with a track record in action and sci-fi, having directed films such as Wanted, Night Watch, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He also produced "Screenlife" films like Searching and the recent War of the Worlds movie.

Marco van Belle's screenwriting credits include Arthur & Merlin from ten years ago. The producing team is robust, led by Charles Roven, an Oscar-winning producer known for Oppenheimer, alongside Robert Amidon, Timur Bekmambetov, and Majd Nassif.

Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke expressed excitement for the project, praising the script and Pratt's involvement. She highlighted the studio's ongoing relationship with Pratt, who has starred in their productions like The Terminal List and The Tomorrow War.

Image: The stellar cast of Mercy, including Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, promises a gripping performance.

'Mercy' Set for a Competitive January 2026 Release Window

Mercy is scheduled to hit theaters and IMAX on January 23, 2026. It will face stiff competition in a busy month for new releases.

Just a few weeks before Mercy, on January 9, Gerard Butler's disaster sequel Greenland: Migration will debut. One week after Mercy, Jason Statham's newest action film, Shelter, will premiere on January 30.

Chris Pratt remains one of Hollywood's busiest stars. Later in 2025, he will appear in the action-adventure family comedy Way of the Warrior Kid, set to release this Christmas. Looking ahead, he will reprise his voice role as Mario in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, scheduled for April 3, 2026. Pratt is also in line to voice Garfield in a sequel to The Garfield Movie, though its release date is not yet clear.

The film has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for violence, bloody images, some strong language, drug content, and teen smoking, indicating a mature sci-fi thriller experience.

Mercy Movie Release Timeline

Film Title	Release Date	Starring
Greenland: Migration	January 9, 2026	Gerard Butler
Mercy	January 23, 2026	Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson
Shelter	January 30, 2026	Jason Statham
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie	April 3, 2026	Chris Pratt (voice)

The Takeaway: Why 'Mercy' is a Must-See Sci-Fi Thriller

Mercy promises to be a thought-provoking and intense cinematic experience, combining Chris Pratt's evolving acting range with cutting-edge storytelling and production. The film's exploration of AI's role in criminal justice is incredibly timely, making it more than just a thrilling detective story.

With its innovative filming techniques and strong cast, directed by a visionary filmmaker, Mercy is poised to deliver a gripping look at a future where technology holds the power of life and death. Fans of sci-fi, courtroom dramas, and compelling ethical dilemmas should mark their calendars for January 23, 2026.

What are your thoughts on an AI judge determining someone's fate? Share your opinions in the comments below.