Chris Pratt stars as Lieutenant Commander James Reece in the action-packed series The Terminal List, portraying a veteran US Navy SEAL and troop commander whose journey is marked by loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. The show’s upcoming prequel, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, will continue to explore the complex military and personal dynamics within this universe, highlighting how Pratt’s character fits into the broader narrative.
Chris Pratt’s Role as a Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander in The Terminal List
In The Terminal List, Chris Pratt plays James Reece, a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy SEALs, commanding Alpha Platoon of SEAL Team 7 and Task Force Odin’s Sword. With eight combat deployments to his name, Reece’s rank reflects his leadership and expertise, setting the stage for a story involving deep personal trauma and a quest for justice. His military rank emphasizes his authority and experience as the central figure navigating complex military operations and intense emotional struggles.
The series first launched in 2022 and has garnered attention for its vivid portrayal of military life and psychological tension. As anticipation builds for the prequel series, which further develops the story’s timeline, Pratt’s character remains a critical link connecting the narratives.
New Focus on Taylor Kitsch’s Ben Edwards in The Terminal List: Dark Wolf
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, set to premiere on August 27, 2025, will shift its primary focus to Taylor Kitsch’s character Ben Edwards, a CIA Ground Branch operative and former Navy SEAL. Edwards, who shares a history with Reece as both a teammate and BUD/S classmate, will be at the center of this prequel. Meanwhile, Pratt will return in a supporting but meaningful role, helping to deepen the overall storyline.
Despite Pratt’s role being somewhat reduced in narrative prominence, he enthusiastically supports the new direction. In a recent discussion, Pratt expressed his strong belief that Dark Wolf surpasses the original series in scope and emotional impact.
“Man, I can say this: when we were at the premiere last night of Dark Wolf, I sat back, and the first song, ‘Hell’s Bells,’ came on, and I just started crying. I was watching an audience take this thing in, and it was bigger and better. My publicist was like, ‘I saw Dark Wolf. It is so much better than Terminal List.’ I was like, ‘What? You’re not supposed to say that. I thought you were, like, supposed to blow smoke up my a**.’ And she was like, ‘It is. It’s just better.’ I was like, ‘You’re right.’”
—Chris Pratt, Actor
Pratt’s emotional reaction underscores the deep connection he feels to the series and reinforces the hope that Dark Wolf will further captivate audiences by broadening the story’s emotional and thematic range.
How Taylor Kitsch’s Performance Led to the Creation of Dark Wolf
The success of The Terminal List owes much to Taylor Kitsch’s compelling portrayal of Ben Edwards in the original season. While Pratt’s James Reece led the initial story, Edwards quickly became a fan-favorite due to Kitsch’s nuanced and powerful performance. The show’s creator Jack Carr, whose novels inspired the series, revealed that the character of Edwards evolved significantly on screen, inspiring creators to develop the prequel.
“The character that I created in the book, in the first novel, was not nearly as nuanced as the character that was developed first on the page for The Terminal List Season 1. And then what Taylor brought to that role is really what elevated that to this next level.”
—Jack Carr, Author and Creator
Carr further explained that the decision to center the prequel on Ben Edwards arose from Kitsch’s compelling performance and the audience’s strong connection to the character.
“[He is] why we have a series called Dark Wolf that explores his backstory — because he was a fan-favorite character. He brought such depth and nuance to this character, Ben Edwards.”
—Jack Carr, Author and Creator
This unexpected story evolution highlights how character development and actor portrayal can influence a show’s creative direction, pushing the series into new narrative territory focused on Edwards’ transition from SEAL to CIA operative, with Reece’s character threading through the larger story.
Expectations for the Dark Wolf Prequel and Its Narrative Depth
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf promises to delve deeper into the moral and psychological complexities of its characters, expanding on the themes introduced in the original series with richer backstories and higher stakes. Fans can anticipate a more intense exploration of loyalty, duty, and the moral ambiguities faced by operatives in high-pressure military and intelligence roles.
As the premiere date approaches on Amazon Prime Video, viewers are preparing to engage with a story that expands on the original’s foundation, blending action and emotional depth to deliver a compelling thriller. Pratt’s continued involvement ensures continuity, while Kitsch’s central role provides fresh perspectives within this world of military covert operations.
