Chris Pratt Discusses Challenging Role in Sci-Fi Thriller Mercy, Including Request to Be Physically Restrained During Filming

In a recent BBC interview, Chris Pratt discussed his starring role in the upcoming sci-fi thriller Mercy, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and set for release in UK cinemas on January 23, 2026. Pratt plays homicide detective Chris Raven, an alcoholic accused of murdering his wife, who awakens strapped barefoot in an execution chair with only 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an AI judge named Maddox (played by Rebecca Ferguson) or face immediate execution. The film is set in real time in a near-future world of total digital surveillance, where the AI-powered Mercy court— which Raven himself helped develop—delivers swift justice with a 92% execution rate and no appeals or juries. To enhance authenticity, Pratt requested to be genuinely locked in the chair for up to 50 minutes per take, enduring discomfort, claustrophobia, sweating, and inability to move or scratch itches, which he said deepened his performance beyond his usual goofy action-hero style. Scenes with Ferguson were filmed with her off-set, speaking via audio while Pratt remained isolated high above the ground. Action sequences, including fights and stunts, appear through surveillance footage, allowing Pratt freedom outside the chair scenes. He described the shoot as more fulfilling than typical blockbusters, resembling a continuous stage play with high-end effects. Pratt emphasized his belief in jury trials and presumption of innocence, rejecting AI as judge and executioner, though he remains cautiously optimistic about technology’s potential. The article also touches on real-world AI use in policing, such as facial recognition and predictive tools in the UK, amid privacy and ethical concerns.