Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the first trailer and poster for Mercy, a new sci-fi thriller featuring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, scheduled for release on January 23, 2026. Pratt stars as Chris Raven, a detective accused of murdering his wife, who must prove his innocence within 90 minutes before an artificial intelligence judge, played by Ferguson, decides his fate.
Set in a near-future Los Angeles, the trial revolves around a cutting-edge AI judicial system. Raven, who helped develop this system, faces immediate execution if he fails to convince the AI judge, Maddox, that he is not guilty. However, as the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Maddox’s impartiality may be compromised.
Characters and Plot: A Dark and Intense Legal Battle
Chris Pratt takes on a gritty role as Chris Raven, a homicide detective confronting a perilous new justice system. During the New York Comic Con panel, Pratt explained,
“This was a departure for me. He is a homicide detective in the near future, and a guy who has seen a lot, been through a lot. He’s part of this special new Mercy program that they’ve designed, essentially using AI to modify their core system to be more efficient, and to face the rise in capital crime in this version of Los Angeles. They just want to get these murderers off the street and send a message.”
The film explores Raven’s vulnerability as he navigates this futuristic legal challenge. Director Timur Bekmambetov elaborated on Pratt’s role and the story’s dramatic tone, stating,
“There is something new for Chris in this movie. It’s his next iteration. He plays a dark and very vulnerable character in a very dramatic story.”
Bekmambetov added that while Pratt is known for action roles, here he confronts a tense situation where he is
“literally electric chair for 90 minutes.”
Rebecca Ferguson stars as Judge Maddox, the AI whose decisions determine Raven’s fate. Kali plays Raven’s partner, assisting him through the ordeal, though the details of her role remain mysterious. According to Bekmambetov,
“Rebecca is an AI judge. She’s smart, and we will discover her heart.”
Innovative Filmmaking Techniques Enhance Storytelling
The production utilized unique technology to bring this futuristic setting to life. Director Bekmambetov revealed that robodogs were employed in filming certain scenes, a technique he claims might be a first in cinema history.
“We used robodogs, for maybe the first time in the history of filmmaking,”
he said.
“Cameramen were robodogs because I used the footage of the robodogs going through the extras in a crowd through the scene and filming it. How I directed the robodogs was that I just told them what I wanted. I said, ‘Go over there and film these guys,’ and it happened.”
Anticipation Builds for a New Vision of Justice
The future of criminal justice is artificial intelligence. Mercy is in IMAX January 23. Filmed for IMAX, experience it in 3D. #MercyMovie pic.twitter.com/nQy1DlFKQu
— IMAX
90 minutes to prove your innocence or face execution. Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson star in Mercy. Watch the trailer now and see the movie only in theaters January 23. Filmed for IMAX, experience it in 3D. #MercyMovie pic.twitter.com/KXZAtTWhMG
— Amazon MGM Studios
With its release date approaching, Mercy promises to offer a thought-provoking look at how artificial intelligence could reshape the criminal justice system. The film’s premise, featuring a detective standing trial before the AI he helped create, raises questions about technology’s role in judging humanity.
By combining intense courtroom drama with innovative filmmaking and strong performances from Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, Mercy aims to deliver a suspenseful and reflective experience. Audiences can expect a gripping narrative filmed for IMAX, providing an immersive 3D experience on January 23, 2026, in theaters nationwide.
The future of criminal justice is artificial intelligence. Mercy is in IMAX January 23. Filmed for IMAX, experience it in 3D. #MercyMovie pic.twitter.com/nQy1DlFKQu
— IMAX (@IMAX) October 9, 2025
90 minutes to prove your innocence or face execution. Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson star in Mercy. Watch the trailer now and see the movie only in theaters January 23. Filmed for IMAX, experience it in 3D. #MercyMovie pic.twitter.com/KXZAtTWhMG
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) October 9, 2025
