Chris Pratt’s ‘Mercy’ Box Office Fuels Star Power Debate

LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – The recent box office performance of Timur Bekmambetov’s sci-fi thriller Mercy, starring Hollywood actor Chris Pratt, has sparked discussions across the entertainment industry, prompting questions about the enduring strength of Pratt’s star power amid notable external challenges. Just weeks after its January 23, 2026, debut, the film’s underperformance relative to early expectations has reignited a debate on whether a major star’s appeal is diminishing or if other significant factors are primarily to blame.

Mercy, which featured Pratt in a high-concept story centered on Artificial Intelligence, opened to $10.8 million in North America. Despite an impressive 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film garnered an underwhelming 24% critics’ score on the same platform. Adding to its woes, a massive winter storm in January forced the closure of over 400 theaters, significantly impacting the film’s initial momentum, according to reports by KoiMoi.

Mercy’s Box Office Struggle and Critical Reception

The film’s theatrical trajectory has been closely watched, especially given its genre and star power. While the audience reception was largely positive, signaling engagement with the AI-centric plot and Pratt’s performance, the critical consensus was notably harsher. This disparity between critic and audience scores often complicates a clear assessment of a film’s quality and, by extension, its star’s draw.

Initial projections for Mercy had been optimistic, banking on Chris Pratt’s established reputation as a reliable box office draw, particularly in action and sci-fi roles. However, as the film approaches its one-month mark in theaters, its financial returns have fallen short of the break-even point, fueling speculation about the causes behind this deficit.

Chris Pratt’s Track Record: From Blockbusters to ‘The Terminal List’

Chris Pratt has built a formidable career as a leading man, headlining major franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, which have collectively grossed billions worldwide. His ability to blend action with comedic timing has made him a household name. Beyond the big screen, Pratt has also found success in streaming, notably starring as Navy SEAL Commander James Reece in the Amazon Prime Video thriller series The Terminal List, a show highly rated for its intense action sequences and authentic narrative, as highlighted by GQ India.

This history of success makes Mercy‘s struggle particularly noteworthy. For many industry observers, the question isn’t whether Pratt can deliver a performance, but rather what combination of elements leads to a film’s overall commercial viability in an increasingly complex market.

Unpacking the Factors Behind ‘Mercy’s’ Underperformance

The underperformance of Mercy cannot be attributed to a single factor. The low critical score undoubtedly played a role, potentially deterring some moviegoers who rely on reviews. However, the severe winter weather in January, which led to widespread theater closures, represents a significant external variable beyond the film’s intrinsic qualities or its star’s appeal. This unforeseen circumstance likely curtailed attendance during a crucial period for new releases.

Furthermore, the competitive landscape of early 2026, combined with changing audience habits post-pandemic, means that even films with bankable stars and intriguing concepts face an uphill battle. The blend of a polarizing critical reception and adverse environmental conditions created a challenging environment for Mercy to find its footing.

The nuanced performance of ‘Mercy’ suggests that while a star’s appeal remains a powerful asset, it is increasingly intertwined with critical consensus, prevailing external conditions, and the evolving dynamics of film distribution, making a singular assessment of diminishing star power an oversimplification.