Chris Pratt Says Artificial Intelligence “Will Not Replace God” as He Promotes His Latest AI Movie

Chris Pratt delivered a somewhat surprising message at the New York premiere of his latest film, Mercy, where he stars as a detective facing judgment from an artificial intelligence system. Amid questions about the movie’s theme of AI stepping into roles once reserved for humans, Pratt made it clear that technology has its limits.

“AI is man-made, you know,” he said. “And so, it cannot be God. It’s inherently flawed, and it always will be because it’s made by the brokenness of man. So, it’s incredibly — it’ll always be limited the way we are limited.” He wrapped up the thought plainly: “It’s not God and it will not replace God.”

The film itself dives into a near-future world where AI judges decide guilt or innocence in capital crimes. Pratt’s character, accused of killing his wife, has just 90 minutes to argue his case before an unyielding digital arbiter played by Rebecca Ferguson.

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and released today by Amazon MGM Studios, Mercy arrives at a time when debates over AI’s role in society rage on, from courtrooms to creative industries. Critics have given it mixed reviews, with some calling it a timely thriller that echoes concerns about over-reliance on machines.

Pratt, known for his roles in blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, has long been open about his Christian faith, which seems to inform his take on emerging tech. In interviews promoting the movie, he expressed optimism about AI as a practical tool, saying he’s spent the last year educating himself on how to use it effectively.

“I think it’s fantastic, amazing tool,” he told reporters, suggesting it could open doors for more storytelling in Hollywood by helping creators bring visions to life faster.

Yet Pratt draws a firm line when it comes to family. He and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, have three children, and he keeps strict rules on screen time at home. “I don’t let my kids have cell phones,” he explained in a recent AP interview, adding that he’s wary of how constant online exposure might shape young minds. Ferguson, his co-star, echoed similar sentiments, noting her own efforts to limit her son’s device use amid the rise of AI-driven content.

This caution fits into larger worries about AI’s potential to manipulate or control. Some observers point out that tech giants are pushing AI into every corner of life, from education to law enforcement, raising questions about who really benefits. Reports from industry watchdogs suggest that while AI promises efficiency, it often amplifies biases built into the data by flawed human programmers, leading to unfair outcomes in real-world applications like hiring or policing.

Pratt’s words resonate with those who see technology as a double-edged sword—helpful but never a substitute for divine wisdom. Scripture reminds us in Psalm 115 that idols made by human hands “have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see,” a fitting parallel to machines that mimic intelligence without true understanding or morality.

Beyond the premiere buzz, Mercy taps into ongoing cultural shifts. Hollywood strikes in recent years highlighted fears that AI could replace writers and actors, but Pratt counters that it might actually expand opportunities. “I think you’re going to see a lot more movies and a lot more of people’s visions being brought to screen because of generative AI,” he said.

As AI integrates deeper into daily routines, Pratt’s reminder serves as a grounding point. Families navigating these changes might take a page from his approach: embrace tools that aid creativity and efficiency, but protect what matters most—faith, relationships, and the innate human spirit that no algorithm can replicate.

With Mercy now in theaters, audiences can judge for themselves how close we’re skating to a world where machines hold the gavel. Pratt’s performance, strapped into a high-tech chair for intense interrogation scenes, brings the stakes to life in IMAX and 3D formats.

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