Chris Pratt nearly blurred the lines between reality and fiction in a way that could have sparked a massive industry debate. The Hollywood star recently revealed that he pitched a controversial idea during the early development of his new film. He suggested that his co-star should not be a human being at all but a genuine artificial intelligence program. This bold concept would have replaced the need for a human actress in the high-stakes thriller.
The Risky Idea That Was Quickly Rejected
The upcoming film Mercy places Pratt in a tense, futuristic setting where technology determines life or death. He plays Chris Raven, a homicide detective accused of a capital crime. The plot centers on a terrifying scenario where Raven has only 90 minutes to prove his innocence. The catch is that he must plead his case not to a jury of peers, but to an AI judge.
During the early brainstorming sessions for the movie, Pratt looked at the script and saw an opportunity to do something never done before. He wondered if they should lean fully into the premise. He proposed creating an actual AI to play the role of the judge rather than casting a human.
Pratt admitted that he asked the team if they should build an AI to star opposite him, but the idea was immediately shot down.
The reaction from the production team was swift and decisive. According to Pratt, the consensus was a firm negative. Upon reflection, the actor agreed that it was not the right path. He noted that while anything is a possibility during the creative process, this specific choice was quickly ruled out as they zeroed in on the best outcome for the film. The rejection of this idea highlights a continued reliance on human performance, even in stories that center deeply on technology.
Finding the Perfect Human for the Digital Role
Once the idea of using a computer program was off the table, the production team needed to find a human actor who could embody the cold, precise nature of an artificial judge. They found their answer in Rebecca Ferguson.
Ferguson, known for her powerful roles in the Mission: Impossible and Dune franchises, stepped into the role of Judge Maddox. Pratt expressed relief and excitement that the movie bosses chose her over his initial digital pitch. He described her casting as a major win for the film.
Pratt praised Ferguson’s physical appearance as being so symmetrical and striking that she naturally conveys the perfection of an artificial being.
The decision to cast a talented actress like Ferguson allowed for a performance that a computer simply could not match. While the character is a machine, the interaction requires a level of timing and presence that comes from two professionals working together. Pratt noted that she is incredible in the film, justifying the choice to keep the cast human. Her ability to look perfect while delivering a chilling performance became a cornerstone of the movie.
The Oprah Winfrey Pitch and Deleted Scenes
The suggestion to use real AI was not the only idea Pratt threw out during the creative process. He also had a different vision for how the AI judge could appear to his character.
In the world of the film, the AI is a face on a screen. Pratt pitched the idea that his character, Detective Raven, should be able to select the avatar for the judge. He thought it would be a humorous twist if he could choose a familiar face to decide his fate. specifically, he suggested choosing Oprah Winfrey.
The actor joked that having Oprah as the face of the AI judge would have been funny, but he ultimately realized it would have been a distraction.
He compared these early, unused ideas to deleted scenes on a DVD. He explained that when you watch deleted scenes, you often realize there is a very good reason they were cut from the final product. The team decided that having a celebrity face like Oprah would take the audience out of the moment. It was a “dumb” idea that did not make sense for the tone of the movie, and Pratt is now glad they did not pursue it.
Streamlined Filming and Theater-Style Rehearsals
The production of Mercy followed a strict and efficient process that differs from many modern blockbusters. Instead of figuring out the movie during the editing stage, Pratt and the team prepared extensively before the cameras rolled.
The actor revealed that they rehearsed the movie almost like a stage play. This preparation allowed them to figure out the emotional beats, the tone, and the pacing well in advance. By the time they were on set, they had a clear vision of exactly what they wanted to capture.
This method stands in contrast to a common trend in acting where performers give editors endless options. Pratt explained that often, actors will try a scene ten different ways, leaving the editor to build the performance in post-production. For Mercy, they took a more disciplined approach.
The intense rehearsal process meant the team had a streamlined vision, making the editing process significantly faster and more precise.
Here is how this preparation benefited the final film:
- Established Tone: The actors knew exactly how to interact with each other and the AI character before filming began.
- Efficient Editing: Because they did not shoot millions of options, the editors had a clear path to the final cut.
- Stronger Performances: Building off previous rehearsals allowed the actors to deepen their understanding of the stakes.
This rigorous preparation was essential for a movie that relies on high tension and a ticking clock. With only 90 minutes for the character to save his life, the pacing had to be perfect. The combination of Ferguson’s precise acting and the well-rehearsed production schedule ensured that the human element remained the driving force of this sci-fi story.
In the end, Mercy serves as a reminder that while technology is a fascinating subject for storytelling, the human touch in casting and production is often what makes a movie work. Pratt’s rejected pitch for an AI actor might have been a novelty, but the choice to go with a real cast has likely saved the film from becoming a gimmick.
What do you think about actors pitching AI to replace human co-stars? Is this the future of movies or a dangerous path? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends on social media!
