Chris Pratt Shows a Different Side as He Embraces Vulnerability in New Film, Says Director
Chris Pratt at the N.Y.C. premiere of ‘Mercy’ on Jan. 20, 2026; Chris Pratt in ‘Mercy’ as Detective Chris Raven.
Credit :
Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
Chris Pratt Takes on a Vulnerable Role in Mercy
Chris Pratt showcases a new dimension in his acting career in the sci-fi film Mercy, where he plays the role of a detective accused of murdering his wife. According to the film’s director, Timur Bekmambetov, Pratt’s portrayal is characterized by vulnerability, contrasting sharply with his typical "tough-guy" persona.
On January 20, 2026, Bekmambetov discussed Pratt’s performance at the film’s premiere in New York City, stating that the actor brings a “very vulnerable” side to the character, Chris Raven, who has only 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an advanced A.I. judge during a trial. Failure to do so results in immediate execution.
Bekmambetov highlighted one scene as particularly impactful—the last conversation between Chris and his wife before her death. “It’s the most dramatic, edgy, painful and emotional scene,” he noted.
Chris Pratt and ‘Mercy’ director Timur Bekmambetov at New York Comic Con on Oct. 9, 2025.
Craig Barritt/Getty
“This movie, it’s not just an action movie — we expect Chris Pratt to be tough and entertain us — but it’s also a very vulnerable, very broken man. And it was unique for him,” Bekmambetov added. He praised Pratt’s ability to surprise him with his dramatic range.
The director first collaborated with Pratt on the 2008 action-thriller Wanted, where he already recognized the actor’s talent. However, Mercy has further solidified Pratt’s reputation as a versatile performer.
In a notable shift, Pratt’s character is often depicted tied to a chair throughout much of the film, differentiating this role from his typical action-oriented characters. This confinement adds a layer of complexity to his performance.
Chris Pratt in ‘Mercy’ as Detective Chris Raven.
Justin Lubin / Amazon MGM Studios
Pratt discussed his filming experience during a panel at New York Comic Con, revealing he requested to be physically confined to enhance authenticity. “I was cuffed to this chair both at the feet and at the hands,” he recalled, noting that the sense of claustrophobia augmented the emotional weight of the scene.
Kali Reis and Chris Pratt in a ‘Mercy’ scene.
Justin Lubin/Amazon MGM Studios
As he prepared for the role, Pratt engaged with law enforcement officers to better understand the reality of their work. “I had an opportunity to work with the LAPD and their homicide division, and so I was able to go down and talk to those guys,” he expressed. His interactions helped him appreciate the challenges faced by officers. “Man, these guys are heroes, and the trouble that they encounter and the trauma they see on a day-to-day basis is really, really staggering,” he reflected.
Mercy is currently in theaters, presenting audiences with a nuanced performance from Pratt that branches out into new territory.
