Chris Pratt’s Mercy Takes Top Spot at U.S. Box Office in Winter Weekend Upset
NEW YORK — In a box office twist that surprised analysts and movie fans alike, Chris Pratt’s science fiction thriller Mercy opened at No. 1 at the North American box office this past weekend, unseating James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash — a film that had dominated the charts for the past six weeks. Despite challenging weather conditions caused by a severe winter storm that forced hundreds of theater closures across the United States, Mercy managed to finish the weekend with an estimated $11.2 million in ticket sales.
Mercy’s Unexpected Box Office Victory
Mercy, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, debuted ahead of all other films despite receiving largely negative critical reviews and lukewarm audience reactions — evidenced by a low Rotten Tomatoes score and a mediocre CinemaScore. The film’s success in reaching the top of the weekend box office reflects a depressed overall market rather than overwhelming audience enthusiasm.
The film’s opening weekend coincided with significant snowfall across major U.S. markets that led to the temporary closure of more than 250 theaters from Texas to Maine, according to box office reporting firms. With an estimated 140 million Americans under winter storm warnings, attendance was broadly suppressed, yet Mercy outpaced competitors to claim the peak position.
What Mercy Is About
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Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, Mercy is a near-future thriller starring Chris Pratt as a law enforcement officer facing judgment from an AI system for a crime that blurs lines between justice and artificial intelligence. The film also features Rebecca Ferguson and explores themes of technology, accountability, and human consciousness.
Though marketed as a big-screen spectacle, early reviews criticized Mercy for its uneven storytelling and shallow character development. Even so, the film’s modest box office performance reveals the continued appetite for genre films with familiar stars, even in a constrained theatrical environment.
Avatar: Fire and Ash Slips to Second
Meanwhile, James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash — the third installment of the Avatar franchise — slid to second place with an estimated $7 million domestically over the weekend. Despite this decline, the Disney and 20th Century Studios release remains a powerhouse globally, having crossed the $1 billion mark in international ticket sales and maintaining strong total grosses close to $1.4 billion worldwide.
The continued success of Fire and Ash overseas contrasts with its slowing performance in North America, where its theatrical run has been exceeding expectations but will likely fall short of the astronomical earnings achieved by earlier franchise entries such as Avatar: The Way of Water.
Weather, Box Office Trends, and Filmgoing Behavior
The current weekend’s box office results also highlight broader trends affecting the film industry. Severe winter weather clearly impacted attendance, but other factors — including shifting consumer habits, the rise of streaming platforms, and franchise fatigue — have contributed to softer theatrical returns compared with previous years.
Industry analysts note that overall box office revenue in recent years has struggled to match pre-pandemic levels, with forecasts suggesting that domestic grosses may not fully recover until well into the late 2020s. This sluggish performance has affected both blockbuster and independent film releases alike.
Mercy’s Place in a Changing Landscape
Although Mercy’s run at No. 1 may be temporary, its achievement underscores how external circumstances — from weather to release timing — can profoundly influence box office outcomes. Films with strong franchise backing, like Avatar: Fire and Ash, often dominate over the long term, but smaller or original films can claim momentary victories during quieter periods.
The film industry continues to grapple with evolving audience expectations, streaming competition, and distribution strategies that balance theatrical exposure with digital availability. As Mercy continues its cinematic run and other titles prepare for release, analysts will be watching whether the film can maintain momentum in its second weekend or quickly cede ground to fresh challengers.
Broader Box Office Highlights
Other films on the weekend box office charts included a mix of long-running hits and newer releases. Animated favorite Zootopia 2 continued to perform well, holding a strong position with multibillion-dollar global revenue. Oscar contenders such as Hamnet and Marty Supreme also maintained their presence, reflecting a varied cinematic landscape that blends blockbuster entertainment with more serious cinematic fare.
This weekend’s subdued total box office tally — well below historic averages — further illustrates the challenges facing theatrical exhibition, particularly during winter months when audiences may opt for streaming options instead of venturing out in inclement conditions.
Looking Ahead
As Hollywood progresses through 2026, studios will be closely monitoring audience behavior and box office results to adjust release schedules and marketing strategies. Films with strong streaming platforms, robust global distribution, or serialized franchise appeal are likely to continue leading theatrical revenue. Emerging trends may also shape how studios weigh theatrical exclusivity versus simultaneous digital releases.
For now, Mercy’s brief reign at the top of the U.S. box office serves as a reminder that in an unpredictable market, even modest performances can yield headline-grabbing results — especially when weather, competition, and timing converge in unexpected ways.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified reporting from reputable news sources and industry data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or entertainment industry advice. Readers should consult original reporting and box office data for complete context.