Chris Pratt praises veterans for their strong work ethic behind the scenes, particularly highlighting former Navy SEALs involved in producing the Amazon Prime Video series The Terminal List. Speaking in 2024 about his experience on set, Pratt emphasized how veterans bring a unique discipline and reliability to film and television production.
Veterans Thrive Behind the Camera in Film Production
Chris Pratt expressed admiration for the dedication of military veterans he collaborates with during filming, noting the presence of numerous former Navy SEALs both on and off camera in The Terminal List. During a conversation on the Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast, Pratt described the work dynamic fostered by these veterans.
Our room is populated with a bunch of veterans,
Pratt shared.
We’ve got people in front of the camera, behind the camera who are all veterans. They work, man. And that, the pipeline of like going from military to the film and television industry is — it’s such a great outlet for these guys.
The actor further stressed the reliability and focus veterans bring to their roles.
Cause they are just like, they just get s— done. You know? If you ask, ‘Hey, handle this.’ They’re like, ‘Got it.’ You don’t have to follow up the next day. And they’re not like, ‘Oh, actually, it’s kind of like, I think stuff’s going on. Like, first of all, you have to understand what happened.’ It’s like, ‘No, they just get s— done.’ It’s amazing,
Pratt asserted.
Pratt’s Role in THE TERMINAL LIST Reflects Military Experience
In The Terminal List, Chris Pratt portrays Navy SEAL Commander James Reece, whose entire platoon is killed under mysterious circumstances. The character embarks on a personal quest for justice, utilizing the combat skills and knowledge acquired from his nearly two decades in the military.
A synopsis for the series outlines Reece’s transformation:
He turns to vengeance as he investigates the mysterious forces behind the murder of his entire platoon. Free from the military’s command structure, Reece applies the lessons he’s learned from nearly two decades of warfare to hunt down the people responsible,
capturing the intense nature of the show’s plot.
Pratt’s appreciation for the contributions of former SEALs extends beyond his on-screen portrayal, recognizing how their military training enhances the show’s authenticity.
Military Skills Adapted for Film Craft
Chris Pratt has observed the ways in which veterans transfer their battlefield expertise to the entertainment industry, particularly in technical roles and training actors on set. He acknowledged that although the skills possessed by SEALs have practical and specific military applications, they find new life in creative production environments.
What they’re capable of doing, it’s very specific and kind of narrow in terms of application, unless you’re gonna go do private security for somebody where you need to be on your toes and be willing and capable of delivering lethal force to protect something,
Pratt explained.
To see them using their training — but in service of art — it’s been amazing to see this sort…this catharsis, because these are guys who have millions of dollars worth of training pumped into each one of them. And then to put that training into making actors know how to handle weapons systems [and] move properly.
This unique blend of military preparedness and artistic direction helps elevate the realism and professionalism on productions like The Terminal List.
Production Details and Cast of THE TERMINAL LIST
Season 1 of The Terminal List premiered in 2022 on Prime Video and features a cast including Constance Wu, Taylor Kitsch, Riley Keough, Arlo Mertz, and Jeanne Tripplehorn, with Chris Pratt in the lead role. The series includes direction from notable filmmakers Antoine Fuqua, Ellen Kuras, MJ Bassett, Fred Toye, Tucker Gates, and Sylvain White. Pratt also holds a producer credit on the show, further demonstrating his involvement beyond acting.
Critical Reception Highlights the Show’s Themes
The Terminal List episode six attracted attention for its intense storytelling, with Movieguide® commenting on the show’s gripping elements and deeper messages. The episode titled “Transience” uses dream-like flashbacks, high-action sequences, and strong performances to portray the psychological struggles faced by Commander Reece as he battles post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Reviewers noted the dark visual tone used to represent Reece’s mental state, likening the narrative to a pursuit of justice amidst deception and violence.
THE TERMINAL LIST: “Transience” grabs viewers by using dream-like flashbacks, intense action and compelling acting. These elements build suspense. Darker colors reveal Reece’s mental state and struggle with PTSD. The episode has a strong moral, patriotic worldview. Reece continues to pursue truth and justice despite the evil and lies surrounding him. While his methods cause him to flee authorities and create destruction, his desire for truth is admirable. “Transience” promotes family, helping veterans after they return from combat, pursuing truth no matter the cost, and protecting the sanctity of innocent human lives. MOVIEGUIDE® advises extreme caution, however, for too much strong foul language.
Upcoming Prequel Explores Further Storylines
A prequel series titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf launched in August 2025, expanding on the story world introduced in the original show. Movieguide® praised this installment’s firm moral and patriotic outlook, though it cautioned viewers about the presence of strong language and graphic violence in the series. Both The Terminal List and Dark Wolf are currently available for streaming on Prime Video.
Veterans’ Transition from Military to Entertainment Industry
The increasing trend of veterans entering film and television reflects the diverse opportunities available to those transitioning from military service. Chris Pratt’s remarks shed light on how highly trained individuals adapt their skills to new arenas, contributing significantly to the production process while finding a meaningful outlet for their talents.
This pathway not only benefits the entertainment industry by enhancing realism and discipline on set but also offers personal and professional rehabilitation for veterans adjusting to civilian life.
