Chris Pratt is stepping back into the sci-fi arena, and this time he’s not saving the galaxy—he’s fighting for his life in a courtroom controlled by artificial intelligence.
The new thriller “Mercy” hits theaters this weekend with ambitious box office projections that could finally dethrone James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” from its five-weekend reign atop domestic charts.
With a $60 million production budget and a premise that taps into growing anxieties about AI technology, Amazon MGM Studios is betting big on this PG-13 rated thriller to launch their theatrical slate for the year.
But can Pratt’s latest vehicle outperform a franchise known for unprecedented staying power at the box office?
The Box Office Battle Heats Up
“Mercy” is tracking to earn between $10 million and $13 million from 3,400 North American theaters during its opening weekend. That positions it ahead of “Avatar 3,” which is expected to pull in $8 million to $10 million in its sixth frame.
The sci-fi showdown represents a significant moment for both studios. Amazon MGM is using “Mercy” as a launching pad for an aggressive theatrical push that includes Ryan Gosling’s “Project Hail Mary,” the live-action “Masters of the Universe,” and Colleen Hoover’s “Verity” adaptation over the next 11 months.
Meanwhile, Cameron’s third journey to Pandora is chasing history—the first two “Avatar” films each held the number one spot for seven consecutive weekends.
What Makes “Mercy” Different
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, known for his visually kinetic style in films like “Wanted” and “Night Watch,” “Mercy” presents a chilling near-future scenario.
Pratt plays a detective accused of murdering his wife, but there’s a twist—his guilt or innocence will be determined not by a jury of his peers, but by an advanced AI judge portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson.
The premise taps into contemporary conversations about artificial intelligence, algorithmic bias, and whether machines should ever hold life-or-death authority over humans. It’s timely subject matter that could resonate with audiences increasingly aware of AI’s expanding role in society.
“Avatar 3” Faces Reality Check
Despite its domestic dominance, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” hasn’t reached the stratospheric heights of its predecessors. The film has accumulated $368 million domestically and $1.32 billion globally—impressive numbers by almost any standard, yet far below the franchise’s previous achievements.
For context, 2009’s “Avatar” earned $2.9 billion worldwide, while 2022’s “The Way of Water” brought in $2.3 billion. Both rank among the highest-grossing films in cinema history.
The third installment currently sits as 2025’s second-highest grossing release, trailing “Zootopia 2,” which has earned $394 million domestically and $1.7 billion globally.
Why the Box Office Momentum Matters
January traditionally represents a slower period for cinema, sandwiched between the holiday blockbuster season and spring tentpoles. This year, however, the box office is pacing 18% ahead of 2025, according to Comscore data.
That momentum is critical for theater operators after last year’s domestic totals fell short of industry projections.
2026 was off to a good start thanks to strong holdover business.
Those are the words of David A. Gross, who runs Franchise Entertainment Research, a movie consulting firm. But he quickly adds a note of caution about the current landscape.
However, kids are back in school now and the holiday releases are winding down, the box office is slowing. We don’t want to see a slump.
What’s Coming Next
Cinema operators are banking on several high-profile releases to maintain box office energy throughout the year:
- “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” – Building on the animated success of the first film
- Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” – The acclaimed director’s interpretation of Homer’s epic poem
- “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” – Another entry in Marvel’s web-slinging franchise
These tentpoles represent the industry’s hope that theatrical moviegoing can sustain its early-year gains and reverse last year’s disappointing performance.
The Pratt Factor
Chris Pratt brings significant star power to “Mercy” after headlining massive franchises including “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jurassic World,” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” His track record with genre films makes him a natural fit for this AI thriller.
Pairing him with Rebecca Ferguson, who has built her own sci-fi credentials through “Dune” and “Mission: Impossible” films, creates an intriguing dynamic for audiences drawn to thought-provoking genre entertainment.
Whether “Mercy” can sustain momentum beyond opening weekend remains to be seen. But as the first major release from Amazon MGM in 2026, it’s setting the tone for the studio’s theatrical ambitions—and potentially ending Cameron’s box office winning streak in the process.