Kali Reis, the powerhouse former world boxing champion who has recently transitioned into acting with noteworthy roles, has officially joined forces with a formidable ensemble for the science fiction thriller ‘Mercy.’ The movie, an Amazon MGM Studios production, is gearing up for a springtime start to production and targets an ambitious theatrical release for August 25, 2025.
While the specific nature of the role Reis is set to play remains shrouded in mystery, ‘Mercy’ promises to deliver gripping storytelling as it unfolds in a near-future setting marred by skyrocketing rates of capital crime. The narrative thrusts a detective, portrayed by Chris Pratt, into a whirlwind of tension—wrongfully accused of a heinous violent crime, he must navigate a treacherous path to establish his innocence.
Joining Reis and Pratt in this high-stakes cinematic venture are Rebecca Ferguson, known for her stunning performances in works like ‘Mission: Impossible,’ and Annabelle Wallis, whose filmography includes ‘The Mummy’ and ‘Annabelle.’ The project also marks a reunion for Pratt and director Timur Bekmambetov, who previously worked together on Bekmambetov’s Hollywood debut, ‘Wanted’ in 2008. Bekmambetov has since earned recognition for directing bold film interpretations such as ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ and the 2016 remake of ‘Ben-Hur.’
Penning the film’s dramatic sequences is Marco van Belle, whose story weaves a compelling plot set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the complexities of justice and the pursuit of truth. Charles Roven, the Oscar-nominated producer behind Christopher Nolan’s highly-anticipated ‘Oppenheimer,’ takes the helm as one of the movie’s producers through his Atlas Entertainment banner, collaborating with Robert Amidon and Majd Nassif under Bekmambetov’s Bazelevs production company.
Reis, whose athletic prowess has led her to multiple boxing championships, is not one to shy away from challenging roles. She made her mark in the cinematic world with her debut in ‘Catch the Fair One’ at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of a boxer entangled in a search for her missing sister. Her acting career continued to gain momentum with her subsequent appearance in HBO’s esteemed series ‘True Detective: Night Country,’ starring alongside the celebrated Jodie Foster. ‘True Detective: Night Country,’ the newest chapter in the acclaimed anthology series, has brought Reis considerable attention, showcasing her depth and range as an actor.
The rising star was also seen in ‘Asphalt City,’ which released just last week. The crime actioner, where Reis co-starred with Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan, and boxing legend Mike Tyson, laid further foundation for her growing acting resume. Further augmenting her portfolio, Reis is set to venture into the dramatic terrain of ‘Wind River: Rising,’ the eagerly awaited sequel to Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Wind River,’ under the directorial vision of Kari Skogland.
‘Mercy’ is floating into the science fiction genre underpinned by a narrative that explores societal challenges through the lens of speculative fiction. It seeks to enmesh the audience in a world teetering on the brink of dystopia, underscored by premonitions of escalating crime rates, while simultaneously embarking on a complicated journey of one man’s fight for vindication. With Reis among the constellation of stars gracing the project, ‘Mercy’ is ultimately shaping up to be a potential blockbuster in the making, as audiences around the globe anticipate this high-voltage thriller that promises to probe the ambiguities of truth and the cost of justice in a precarious future.
