Chris Pratt’s “Mercy” Takes on “Avatar: Fire and Ash” at the Box Office!

By ultapaltakhabar Jan 22, 2026 0

Amazon MGM’s first big release of 2026, “Mercy,” is aiming to shake up the box office, challenging James Cameron’s “Avatar 3” as it looks to maintain its No. 1 streak.

The weekend box office is gearing up for a thrilling battle as Chris Pratt’s much-anticipated sci-fi thriller “Mercy” hits theaters across North America. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the Amazon MGM release is marking the studio’s first major cinematic outing of 2026, and it’s stepping straight into the ring against James Cameron’s juggernaut “Avatar: Fire and Ash”.

With over 3,400 theaters in North America screening “Mercy” this weekend, industry insiders predict the film could earn $10 million to $13 million, making it the weekend’s only significant newcomer. Meanwhile, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” now in its sixth week, is still flexing its cinematic muscles with an estimated $8 million to $10 million haul, trying to hold off Pratt’s futuristic thriller.

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Chris Pratt Faces a High-Stakes Sci-Fi Showdown

In “Mercy,” Chris Pratt plays a detective facing trial for allegedly murdering his wife. But this isn’t your typical courtroom drama — his fate is determined by an advanced AI judge, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Set in a near-future world, the film explores technology, morality, and justice, with Bekmambetov’s signature flair for visually striking sequences and high-octane action.

The film carries a PG-13 rating and had a production budget of $60 million, not including its global marketing campaign. This positions “Mercy” as a major investment for Amazon MGM, which is aiming to establish a strong theatrical slate in 2026 with upcoming releases including Ryan Gosling-led “Project Hail Mary,” “Masters of the Universe,” and Colleen Hoover adaptation “Verity.”

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“Avatar 3” Holds Strong, But Faces Competition

While “Mercy” is the new contender, Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has already proven its resilience at the box office. Having spent five consecutive weekends at No. 1, the film has earned $368 million in North America and a staggering $1.32 billion globally, solidifying its place as the second-highest grossing release of 2025, behind Disney’s “Zootopia 2” ($394 million in North America and $1.7 billion worldwide).

However, despite these impressive numbers, “Avatar 3” hasn’t reached the historic heights of its predecessors. The original “Avatar” (2009) and “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022) still hold box office records with $2.9 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. Analysts are closely watching whether “Avatar: Fire and Ash” can extend its hold while facing fresh competition from a major new release.

Amazon MGM’s Strategic 2026 Launch

“Mercy” isn’t just a one-off release for Amazon MGM. The studio is clearly signaling its ambition to dominate theaters in 2026, kicking off with a high-profile Chris Pratt vehicle. Industry insiders believe this weekend’s performance will set the tone for MGM’s upcoming projects, with “Mercy” functioning as both a test and a statement: Amazon MGM is serious about theatrical dominance alongside its streaming portfolio.

David A. Gross, head of Franchise Entertainment Research, notes, “2026 was off to a good start thanks to strong holdover business. But as kids return to school and the holiday releases wind down, the box office naturally slows. Launching a film like ‘Mercy’ now is a strategic move to keep momentum alive and capture audience attention.”

Box Office Trends and Predictions

January has traditionally been a slower month for cinemas, but early 2026 figures suggest a 18% uptick compared to 2025, according to Comscore. Cinema operators are optimistic that the momentum can be sustained, with upcoming blockbusters like “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” poised to attract diverse audiences.

Analysts expect “Mercy” to appeal to fans of action-packed sci-fi and Chris Pratt enthusiasts alike, offering a high-concept story that blends courtroom drama with futuristic technology. At the same time, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” benefits from loyal franchise audiences, stunning visuals, and a worldwide fanbase that has made Pandora a global cinematic phenomenon.

Industry Buzz: Who Will Win?

The chatter among moviegoers is already heating up on social media. Fans of Chris Pratt are hyping up the film as a must-watch, emphasizing his charismatic screen presence and the gripping AI-driven plot. Meanwhile, Cameron loyalists continue to celebrate the immersive spectacle of Pandora, debating whether the third installment can match the franchise’s previous cultural impact.

Experts believe the weekend could be a close race. “It’s rare to see a new release immediately challenge a major franchise like Avatar. But Chris Pratt has a solid fanbase, and with Amazon MGM marketing this film aggressively, we could see a strong debut,” says one industry analyst.

A New Era for Theatrical Releases

“Mercy” also marks a broader trend in 2026: studios are testing new genres, formats, and star power to lure audiences back into theaters. While streaming platforms remain dominant, theatrical experiences continue to offer unmatched spectacle, particularly in action, fantasy, and sci-fi genres. Amazon MGM’s gamble on “Mercy” reflects this evolving landscape.

The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the weekend box office is set for drama both on-screen and off. Whether Chris Pratt’s “Mercy” can dethrone James Cameron’s Pandora empire remains to be seen, but audiences are guaranteed a thrilling cinematic ride.

Also Read: https://ultapaltakhabar.com/dhurandhar-day-49-box-office-report/

Final Thoughts

As January 2026 continues, movie lovers have reason to celebrate. With the combination of franchise powerhouses like “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and bold newcomers like “Mercy,” the box office is delivering excitement, spectacle, and star-studded drama. Chris Pratt’s futuristic thriller may just be the first domino in a year that promises plenty of cinematic surprises, while Pandora fans hold tight for more adventures in James Cameron’s immersive universe.

This weekend, it’s all about “Mercy” versus “Avatar 3” — and Hollywood insiders, box office trackers, and movie fans alike will be watching every ticket sale with bated breath.

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Note: Box office figures are estimates from various sources and have not been independently verified by Ulta Palta Khabar.