Chris Pratt takes on a high-stakes role in Mercy, a sci-fi thriller where artificial intelligence becomes judge, jury, and potentially executioner. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), this futuristic courtroom drama hits theaters on January 23, 2026, and promises to challenge everything we think about justice in the age of AI.
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Mercy (2026): Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 23, 2026 (United States) |
| Director | Timur Bekmambetov |
| Writer | Marco van Belle |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Runtime | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Format | IMAX 3D |
| Studio | Amazon MGM Studios |
Star-Studded Cast
Chris Pratt leads the ensemble as Detective Chris Raven, an LAPD officer accused of murdering his wife, while Rebecca Ferguson portrays Judge Maddox, an AI system that represents the “Mercy program”. The supporting cast includes:
- Annabelle Wallis as Nicole Raven (Chris’s late wife)
- Kali Reis in an undisclosed key role
- Chris Sullivan, Kenneth Choi, and Kylie Rogers in supporting roles
- Rafi Gavron and Jeff Pierre round out the ensemble
According to Wikipedia, the film was announced in January 2024 with production wrapping in May 2024, though it experienced delays before its 2026 release.
The Plot: 90 Minutes to Prove Innocence
Set in Los Angeles in 2029, Mercy explores a near-future where AI judges have replaced traditional courtrooms. Detective Raven has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced A.I. Judge he once championed, before it determines his fate. The irony? Raven previously supported this very judicial system that now holds his life in its algorithmic hands.
The film unfolds in real-time, creating a pressure-cooker atmosphere as Raven races against the clock to present evidence and sway an emotionless digital arbiter. Produced by Charles Roven (The Dark Knight) and featuring premium IMAX 3D presentation, Mercy aims to spark conversations about artificial intelligence ethics and the future of justice systems.
For fans of thought-provoking sci-fi thrillers and Chris Pratt’s dramatic range, this release promises edge-of-your-seat tension. Check your local theaters for IMAX showtimes when Mercy premieres nationwide.
FAQs
When does Mercy release in theaters?
Mercy premieres nationwide on January 23, 2026, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios and available in premium IMAX 3D format.
Who plays the AI judge in Mercy?
Rebecca Ferguson portrays Judge Maddox, the advanced AI system that presides over Chris Pratt’s character’s murder trial in the film.
