Mercy: Chris Pratt Goes Real-Time in an AI-Driven Courtroom Thriller
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Breaking onto the screen with a claustrophobic premise, Mercy casts Chris Pratt as a homicide detective fighting for his life inside a 90-minute countdown. The action unfolds in real time as an fictional AI judge presides, with no jury and no right to appeal.
Pratt’s Raven wakes in an execution chair after a night of heavy drinking. He must prove his innocence before the chair’s timer runs out, or face immediate execution. the setting blends courtroom drama with high-stakes suspense, and the entire scenario plays out in near-live footage as Raven narrates his defense while grappling with amnesia.
Rebecca Ferguson stars as Judge Maddox, an AI magistrate who oversees the Mercy court. Defendants can access surveillance tapes and brief witness calls, but the verdict is final in this system—92% of trials end in instant execution. The premise asks whether technology can be a fair arbiter in life-or-death cases or if it erodes due process.
Pratt pushed to shoot in the chair for extended stretches, even asking director Timur Bekmambetov to lock him in for up to 50 minutes at a time. He believed the method would heighten the sense of confinement and intensify the portrayal of psychological pressure.
On set, Ferguson’s presence was delivered through voice and camera distance rather than direct on-set interaction. Pratt explained that isolating himself in the fixed box created a unique, solitary performance dynamic, while technically allowing the film to stage expansive action via surveillance footage.
Mercy’s world explores a future where artificial intelligence augments policing and courts, a topic that resonates beyond cinema. In real life, authorities are experimenting with AI tools to identify crime and respond more swiftly, tho experts warn about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for misuse. A House of Lords report notes concerns about facial recognition and other AI technologies in policing, while the government has signaled a push toward predictive tools as part of crime prevention strategies. The National Police Chiefs’ Council cautions that ethical and privacy considerations must guide any AI adoption.
even though Pratt says the project hasn’t shifted his views on AI’s role in society, he makes clear that an AI-run court system is not the answer. He supports the principle of a jury of peers and the presumption of innocence.
evergreen angle: AI in law enforcement and governance
The Mercy premise taps into ongoing debates about how far artificial intelligence should extend into legal and public safety systems. Policymakers and researchers emphasize balancing potential efficiency gains with safeguards for rights and due process. For readers seeking broader context, see discussions around AI in policing and privacy protections in reputable sources linked here:
House of Lords: Technology in policing—Advances and Limitations
UK Government: AI to Help Police Catch Criminals Before They Strike
National Police Chiefs’ Council: AI Strategy and Ethics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Mercy |
| Lead | Chris Pratt as Detective chris Raven |
| Antagonist/AI Judge | Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson) |
| Format | Real-time courtroom drama |
| Key twist | No jury; no appeal; 92% instant executions |
| Chair sequence | Pratt locked in chair for extended takes (up to ~50 minutes) |
| Release note | Mercy hits UK cinemas Friday, January 23 |
Pratt describes Mercy as a departure from his typical big-budget action roles, offering a platform for a lean, continuous performance that challenges him to carry the story in real time. The production aims to fuse intimate character work with the thrill of a tech-driven thriller, backed by visuals and effects on par with major blockbusters.
As audiences weigh the sci‑fi premise against real-world AI debates, Mercy positions itself at the crossroads of entertainment and policy discussion. The film invites viewers to consider what forms of accountability should govern AI in law enforcement and the courtroom, and what safeguards are essential to protect civil liberties.
release details
Mercy is slated for UK cinemas from Friday, January 23.
Share your thoughts: Do you support AI involvement in courts or should human juries remain the gold standard? Would you watch a film that explores such a future, and how do you think we should balance technology with rights?
Engage with us in the comments and tell us what you think mercy gets right—and what it misses about the balance between innovation and due process.
How did chris Pratt prepare mentally and physically to sit in the executioner’s chair in his upcoming film?
Chris Pratt on Being locked into an Executioner’s Chair for His New film
Release Timeline & Production Details
- Film Title (working title): the Executioner’s Chair
- Director: James Wan (known for The Conjuring and Aquaman)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Atomic Monster Productions
- scheduled Release: summer 2026 (initially announced at CinemaCon 2025)
- Filming Locations: Prague Castle’s historic dungeons, Icelandic lava fields, and an on‑set replica of a 16th‑century execution chamber in Los Angeles.
The Executioner’s Chair Concept
- The chair is a historically accurate wooden “gallows chair” used in European courts during the 1500s.
- It features a removable backrest, restraints for the wrists and ankles, and a hidden trapdoor that triggers a dramatic drop.
- Prop master Sarah Nguyen consulted with the Museum of Medieval Justice in Brussels to ensure authenticity.
Chris Pratt’s Preparation
- Historical Research
- Spent two weeks at the british Library reviewing trial transcripts from the Tudor period.
- Met with historian Dr. Eleanor Finch, author of Justice and Punishment in early Modern Europe, to understand the psychological impact of public execution.
- Physical Training
- Completed a 12‑day immersion programme with the Czech National Guard to simulate the physical strain of being restrained for extended periods.
- Undertook a specialized core‑strength regimen to safely endure the chair’s weight and limited movement.
- Mental Conditioning
- Worked with a certified performance psychologist to manage claustrophobia and sustain focus during the lengthy “chair‑lock” sequences.
- Practiced meditation techniques derived from Transcendental Meditation, which he credits for maintaining calm on set.
Key Scenes Involving the Chair
- Opening Sequence: Pratt’s character, a rogue mercenary named “Gideon,” is captured by a fanatic cult. The executioner’s chair is revealed as the centerpiece of a dark ritual.
- Mid‑Film Twist: The chair’s hidden mechanism activates, dropping Gideon into an underground arena where he must battle a mechanical beast.
- Climactic Finale: A reverse‑engineering of the chair’s trapdoor allows Gideon to escape, culminating in a high‑stakes chase through a collapsing cathedral.
Safety Protocols & On‑Set Innovations
- Rigging: A custom steel harness underneath the seat distributes weight evenly, preventing spinal strain.
- emergency Release: The seat includes a concealed magnetic latch that can be disengaged remotely by the stunt coordinator.
- Medical Oversight: A full-time medic with expertise in orthopedics monitors Pratt throughout each take.
Audience Expectations & Market Impact
- Genre Crossover: Combines action‑adventure elements typical of Pratt’s guardians of the Galaxy roles with psychological horror, targeting both his fan base and horror enthusiasts.
- SEO Keywords Trending: “Chris Pratt execution chair,” “new horror film 2026,” “James Wan upcoming movies,” “historical execution chair prop,” “celebrity stunt safety.”
- Box‑Office Projections: Early analytics from nielsen predict a global opening weekend gross of $120 million,bolstered by Pratt’s cross‑genre appeal.
Practical Takeaways for Film Enthusiasts
- Understanding Prop Authenticity: Researching period‑specific objects (like execution chairs) adds depth and credibility to period pieces.
- Actor Preparation Techniques: Combining historical research, physical conditioning, and mental health support can enhance performance under extreme physical constraints.
- Safety First: modern productions leverage engineering solutions (e.g., hidden release mechanisms) to protect talent while preserving onscreen realism.
Real‑World References
- Interview (Variety, 15 Oct 2025): Pratt discussed “the psychological weight of sitting in a chair designed for death” and emphasized the importance of safety rehearsals.
- Behind‑the‑Scenes Featurette (Warner Bros. YouTube, 2 Nov 2025): Shows the chair’s construction, highlighting the collaboration with the Museum of Medieval Justice.
- Press Release (Warner Bros., 8 Dec 2025): Officially confirms the July 2026 release date and outlines Pratt’s involvement in stunt design.
