5 Shocking New Projects And Controversies That Define Chris Pratt's 2025-2026 Comeback

As of December 2025, Chris Pratt remains one of Hollywood's most polarizing and bankable stars, but his career trajectory is taking a dramatic, unexpected turn. Moving beyond his iconic roles as Star-Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Owen Grady in the *Jurassic World* franchise, Pratt is diving headfirst into high-stakes sci-fi thrillers and even an unprecedented partnership with the Vatican. This deep dive explores the freshest, most current news and projects that are setting the stage for a massive 2026 for the actor, including a gripping new battle against a terrifying AI and the latest on his political controversies. The actor, who rose to fame as the lovable goofball Andy Dwyer on *Parks & Recreation*, has successfully transitioned into a global action hero, but his recent choices—both professional and personal—have kept him firmly in the spotlight, often for controversial reasons. We break down the full profile, the major upcoming releases, and the behind-the-scenes drama that is shaping the future of the Hollywood powerhouse.

Chris Pratt: Complete Biographical Profile (Updated 2025)

Christopher Michael Pratt, known globally as Chris Pratt, has carved out one of the most successful and scrutinized careers in modern Hollywood. His journey from a struggling actor living in a van in Maui to a leading man with films grossing billions has become the stuff of industry legend.

• Full Name: Christopher Michael Pratt
• Date of Birth: June 21, 1979
• Place of Birth: Virginia, Minnesota, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Film Producer
• Spouse: Katherine Schwarzenegger (m. 2019); Anna Faris (m. 2009; div. 2018)
• Children: Two daughters with Katherine Schwarzenegger and one son (Jack) with Anna Faris.
• Breakthrough Role (TV): Andy Dwyer on *Parks & Recreation* (2009–2015)
• Major Film Franchises: *Guardians of the Galaxy* (as Peter Quill/Star-Lord), *Jurassic World* (as Owen Grady), *The Lego Movie*.
• Total Box Office Gross: His films as a leading actor have grossed over $14.1 billion worldwide.
• Current Status: Headlining the Prime Video action franchise *The Terminal List* and starring in major upcoming sci-fi and faith-based projects.

The Terrifying Future of AI: Inside Pratt's New Sci-Fi Thriller 'Mercy'

The most immediate and buzz-worthy project for Chris Pratt is the upcoming sci-fi thriller *Mercy*, which is slated for release in 2026. Pratt took over the 2025 New York Comic Con (NYCC) to promote the film, which is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios and directed by Timur Bekmambetov.

The premise of *Mercy* is timely and chilling: Pratt's character, a detective, must prove his innocence after being accused of a violent crime. The crucial twist is that he is battling a ruthless, all-powerful AI justice system. In a recent interview, Pratt spoke about the terrifying potential of artificial intelligence, which is a major theme of the movie, lending a sense of real-world urgency to the narrative.

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This role is a significant departure from the quip-heavy, charming rogue persona of Star-Lord. It positions Pratt as a serious action-thriller lead, matching wits with a high-tech antagonist. Co-starring with him is the formidable Rebecca Ferguson, which promises a high-tension, star-powered cinematic event.

From Star-Lord to St. Peter: The Shocking Vatican Partnership

Perhaps the most unexpected and unique news of late 2025 is Chris Pratt's involvement in a documentary project focused on the tomb of St. Peter. This venture highlights a deeper dive into faith-based content for the actor, who is known to be a devout Christian.

The project is an extraordinary honor for Pratt, as it involves a direct partnership with Pope Leo and the Vatican itself. While Pratt is not Catholic, his commitment to exploring themes of faith and history is evident. The documentary centers on the historical and archaeological work surrounding the burial site of the Apostle Peter beneath St. Peter's Basilica. This kind of high-profile, religious-historical documentary is a completely fresh direction for the actor, demonstrating his willingness to use his platform for projects outside the blockbuster mold.

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This is a major move that solidifies Pratt's personal brand as a family-oriented man of faith, often discussed in relation to his marriage to Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.

The Future of The Terminal List and MCU Controversy

While new projects are on the horizon, Pratt's established franchises continue to generate news. The James Reece saga, *The Terminal List*, is expanding with a prequel series titled *The Terminal List: Dark Wolf*. A trailer for the 2025 series has been released, with Pratt's character, James Reece, taking a backseat to focus on the origin story of Ben Edwards, played by Taylor Kitsch. Pratt remains an executive producer and a central figure in the expansion of this successful Prime Video action universe, which also features Ray Mendoza.

On the controversy front, Chris Pratt has once again faced significant backlash, particularly from some corners of the MCU fanbase. The actor has been embroiled in controversy over comments and tributes made towards a pro-Trump commentator, leading to renewed calls for his dismissal from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pratt recently "broke his silence" regarding the calls for his firing, though the details of his statement remain guarded.

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The ongoing political scrutiny and the pressure from a segment of fans highlight the difficulty of navigating a high-profile career in the current media landscape. Despite the noise, Pratt's professional output—from the dark intensity of *Dark Wolf* to the high-concept sci-fi of *Mercy*—suggests that studios and producers are fully committed to him as a leading man. As the MCU continues to evolve, Pratt’s role as Star-Lord, and the future of the Guardians of the Galaxy, remains a topic of intense fan speculation, especially given the conclusion of the main trilogy under director James Gunn.