Why Chris Pratt’s Mercy Struggled at the Box Office

Chris Pratt’s latest big-screen outing, Mercy (2026), directed by Timur Bekmambetov and co-starring Rebecca Ferguson, hit theaters on January 23, 2026, via Amazon MGM Studios. This high-concept sci-fi thriller—set in a near-future where a detective (Pratt) has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence in his wife’s murder to an advanced AI judge (Ferguson)—promised edge-of-your-seat tension with IMAX/3D filming. However, as of early February 2026, the film has underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately $41.2 million worldwide against a reported $60 million budget.

For American moviegoers, this marks a disappointing turn for a star-driven genre film released amid brutal winter storms that hammered theater attendance across much of the U.S.

Mercy Box Office Breakdown (as of February 4, 2026)

• Domestic (U.S. & Canada): ~$19.6 million (from sources like The Numbers and Box Office Mojo)
• International: ~$21.6 million
• Worldwide Total: $41.2 million
• Opening Weekend (Jan 23-25): $10.8 million domestically (from 3,468 theaters), enough to dethrone Avatar: Fire and Ash from #1 after its long run, but impacted by severe weather (blizzards, closures in 37 states).
• Global Debut: Around $22.8 million (including $11.6 million overseas from 80 markets, with strong showings in China at $2.6M).
• Key Metrics: Opening represented ~55% of domestic total so far, with weak legs (multiplier around 1.81). IMAX/3D contributed only ~12% of the bow despite heavy marketing.

The film opened modestly amid a slow weekend (lowest of 2026 so far, ~$53-60M overall market), battling snowstorms, competing releases like Return to Silent Hill, and holdovers. It briefly topped the domestic chart but quickly faded, with daily grosses dropping (e.g., mid-week figures around $800K-$900K).

Why Mercy Underperformed for U.S. Fans

• Mixed-to-Negative Reviews: Critics slammed it (low Rotten Tomatoes scores, around 24% in some aggregates), citing predictable plotting despite timely AI themes. Audience scores fared better (Popcornmeter ~82%), with many calling it a “fun, popcorn thriller” best in 3D/IMAX.
• Weather Woes: A massive U.S. winter storm crippled turnout—frigid temps, high winds, and theater shutdowns hurt what could have been a stronger debut.
• Genre Ceiling: Sci-fi thrillers like this often cap out below $80M globally without breakout appeal. Mercy echoes films like Annihilation in performance but lacks the buzz to push higher.
• Star Power vs. Execution: Pratt drew 31% of audiences per exit polls, and 44% came for the “looked fun” factor, but it couldn’t overcome B- CinemaScore vibes and competition.
• Budget Pressure: At $60M production (plus marketing), it’s tracking for a likely loss theatrically—projected final global under $65M in some analyses.

Despite the struggles, Mercy ranks as one of 2026’s early top earners (behind 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple at ~$53M+), showing Pratt’s draw still commands attention. It unseated Avatar temporarily and found some international traction.

For American viewers craving AI-driven suspense and high-stakes drama, Mercy delivers in bursts—but the box office tells a story of missed potential. Catch it now in theaters or streaming soon via Prime Video. Will it find new life on VOD? Early signs suggest yes for home viewers.

Stay with www.clickusanews.com for daily box office trackers, Chris Pratt updates, sci-fi breakdowns, and 2026’s biggest hits & flops.

What’s your take—did the winter storm kill Mercy’s chances, or was it the reviews? Comment below!

Tags: Mercy Box Office 2026, Chris Pratt Mercy, Mercy Movie Collections, Sci-Fi Thriller 2026, Amazon MGM Mercy Gross, Box Office News, Rebecca Ferguson Mercy, IMAX Mercy

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