Chris Pratt has been replaced in the upcoming season of Amazon Prime Video’s crime thriller series The Terminal List, making way for Taylor Kitsch, a talented but often overlooked True Detective actor, to step into the lead role. This casting change is set for the second season, titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, and signals a shift in focus toward Kitsch’s character, Ben Edwards.
Taylor Kitsch to Lead The Terminal List Season Two
In the first season of The Terminal List, Chris Pratt played the central character, James Sullivan Reece, a Navy SEAL grappling with the consequences of a deadly ambush on his platoon. Taylor Kitsch’s role as Ben Edwards was more secondary, portraying one of Reece’s close friends within the Navy SEAL team. However, the second season appears to pivot away from Pratt’s character, promoting Kitsch’s Ben Edwards to the main protagonist.
The upcoming season, set to release on August 27, 2025, follows Ben Edwards’ evolution from Navy SEAL to CIA paramilitary operator, tracing the complex and dangerous path he navigates. This dramatic perspective shift allows the series to explore new storylines and delve deeper into the psychological and operational challenges of espionage and covert missions.
Reports indicate that Chris Pratt’s screen time will be notably reduced in the new installment as he focuses on his extensive slate of film projects. Given Kitsch’s compelling portrayal of Edwards in season one, this transition strategically positions the actor to take center stage, showcasing his range and giving the franchise a fresh direction.
Taylor Kitsch’s Career and the Potential Turning Point
Despite his evident talent, Taylor Kitsch has experienced a career trajectory marked by underrated performances and missed breakout opportunities. Kitsch gained early recognition in television but has struggled to secure a defining leading role in major productions. His work includes a mix of films and series, with notable appearances in the second season of True Detective, which received mixed reviews compared to other seasons.
One of Kitsch’s most high-profile but commercially unsuccessful films was 2012’s John Carter, which failed to solidify his status as a leading man. Similarly, Battleship did not generate the critical or box office success needed to propel him into mainstream stardom. This pattern has continued despite his consistent and varied work.
The Terminal List franchise now offers Kitsch a prime opportunity to alter this trajectory. With season two shifting focus to his character and an upcoming prequel series that explores Ben Edwards’ transition into the CIA, Kitsch stands poised for a significant career resurgence if the show resonates well with audiences once again.
Understanding The Terminal List’s Story and Its Evolution
The Terminal List is an action-thriller series based on the novel by Jack Carr. It centers on James Reece (played by Chris Pratt in season one), a Navy SEAL whose entire platoon is ambushed during a mission. Upon his return, Reece struggles with fragmented and sometimes false memories, as he pieces together clues that question the true motives behind the attack. His quest to uncover the truth endangers those close to him, intensifying the stakes of the narrative.
Season two, titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, shifts focus to five years before the events of season one, capturing Ben Edwards’ journey from Navy SEAL to CIA paramilitary operator. This prequel storyline examines the toll and complex realities of warfare and covert operations, while exploring Edwards’ internal and external battles.
Critical Reception and Fan Response to The Terminal List
The first season of The Terminal List received a mixed response from critics, with some reviews pointing to uneven pacing or narrative issues. Despite this, audience reactions were largely positive, with viewers appreciating the suspenseful storytelling, action sequences, and performances—that included both Chris Pratt as Reece and Taylor Kitsch in his supporting role. This contrast between critical reception and popular approval encouraged Amazon Prime to continue the series with a second season.
The anticipated release of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf will test whether the series can maintain or exceed its existing fan base, especially with Taylor Kitsch as the new lead. The success of the upcoming season could not only bolster the franchise but also bring long-overdue recognition to Kitsch’s abilities as a lead actor.
The Cast and Creative Team Behind The Terminal List
The Terminal List’s ensemble cast includes Taylor Kitsch as Ben Edwards, Chris Pratt as James Reece, Tom Hopper as Raife Hastings, and Dar Salim portraying Mohammed Farooq, also known as ‘Mo.’ Other notable cast members are Jav Courtney, Riley Keough, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Nick Chinlund.
Jack Carr, the original author of the novel series, plays a key role in crafting the show’s narrative and screenplay, ensuring a deep connection between the source material and its on-screen adaptation. The series merges elements of action, thriller, and drama genres to deliver a tense, intense storytelling experience.
What This Casting Change Means for The Terminal List and Taylor Kitsch
Chris Pratt’s reduced involvement in the second season reflects his mounting commitments to high-profile movie projects, making Taylor Kitsch the natural choice to carry the series forward. This transition aligns with Kitsch’s impressive yet often overshadowed filmography, offering him a platform to shine in a lead television role.
The focus on Ben Edwards’ backstory adds layers to the series’ universe, allowing the franchise to explore different facets of warfare, loyalty, and espionage. If The Terminal List: Dark Wolf matches or exceeds the popularity of its predecessor, it could significantly impact Kitsch’s career, elevating him to greater recognition and potentially opening doors to future leading roles in both television and film.
With the show scheduled to premiere in late August 2025, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this fresh narrative direction and revamped cast dynamics influence the series’ success and cultural relevance in the competitive streaming landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Chris Pratt’s son disabled?
A. Chris Pratt’s son is not disabled. Although there were birthing issues, doctors once thought he might have developmental problems. However, both parents say Jack is doing well in school and hasn’t faced these challenges.
Q. Is Chris Pratt’s religion?
A. Pratt grew up following the Lutheran religion and then joined Jews for Jesus. Later, he became a non-denominational Christian.
