Chris Pratt battles AI in thrilling new Mercy trailer, sci-fi thriller hits theaters January 23

Chris Pratt takes on an artificial intelligence judge in the thrilling new sci-fi thriller Mercy, arriving in theaters January 23, 2026. The 36-minute trailers showcase an intense race against time. Director Timur Bekmambetov crafts a futuristic courtroom battle unlike anything audiences have seen.

The AI Judge Takes Center Stage in Mercy

Mercy transports audiences to 2029 Los Angeles, where justice moves at breakneck speed. Chris Pratt plays a detective standing trial accused of murdering his wife. He faces an advanced artificial intelligence judge he once championed. The stakes couldn’t be higher—90 minutes determine his fate.

Rebecca Ferguson voices the AI Judge Maddox, a brilliantly designed digital consciousness. The film explores whether humanity can trust machines with life-or-death decisions. Ferguson’s portrayal brings cold precision and unexpected depth to the algorithm.

Stellar Cast and Creative Vision Drive the Thriller

Director Timur Bekmambetov assembled an exceptional ensemble around Pratt and Ferguson. The cast includes Annabelle Wallis (The Mummy), Kylie Rogers (Yellowstone), Kali Reis (True Detective), and Chris Sullivan (This Is Us). Writer Marco van Belle crafted the screenplay, while Producer Charles Roven led production.

Principal photography began April 18, 2024, in Los Angeles with cinematographer Khalid Mohtaseb. The production wrapped May 23, 2024, after just over one month of filming. The compact schedule reflects the film’s real-time, tension-filled premise.

Technical Achievement Details Showcase Production Quality

From August Delay to January Release Shows Industry Confidence

Mercy originally had an August 15, 2025 release date announced in January 2024. The shift to January 23, 2026 marks a major studio decision. Studios typically move tentpole films when they need extra finishing touches. The extended timeline suggests Amazon MGM Studios invested significantly in polishing visual effects and the AI sequences.

“In the near future, a detective stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced AI judge he once championed, before it determines his fate.”

— Amazon MGM Studios, Official Description

Will Mercy Redefine Sci-Fi Thrillers for 2026?

The real-time 90-minute structure mirrors acclaimed films like 127 Hours and Buried. The AI courtroom setting breaks fresh narrative ground. Timur Bekmambetov combines thriller pacing with philosophical questions about artificial intelligence. Chris Pratt demonstrates his range beyond action-comedy franchises.

The film’s exploration of justice, AI ethics, and human accountability arrives as society grapples with algorithmic decision-making. Mercy forces audiences to question whether machines can judge humanity fairly. January 2026 will reveal if this bold concept resonates with mainstream audiences nationwide.

Sources

• Amazon MGM Studios Official – Theatrical release details and cast information
• Wikipedia Mercy Film – Production history and crew credits
• SYFY – Trailer announcements and premise summary

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.