Chris Pratt has mastered the Hollywood makeover, graduating from the endearingly ridiculous Andy Dwyer into a leading man trusted with saving galaxies, outrunning dinosaurs, and collecting rather impressive box-office receipts. His secret weapon has always been an agreeable mix of comic timing, easy charm, and action-hero credibility. In short, audiences have generally been happy to follow wherever he leads.
His latest assignment, however, may require a little more than that familiar Pratt charm. In Way of the Warrior Kid, the actor plays Uncle Jake, an injured Navy SEAL commander tasked with helping his bullied nephew find his footing. Unfortunately, the trailer has received a less-than-heroic welcome online, where viewers have been busy comparing its visuals to AI-generated material. So much for a warm reception.
This is particularly awkward given Pratt’s own views on artificial intelligence. The actor has argued that AI cannot replace human performers, writers, or artists because technology lacks a soul. He has compared it to trading a screwdriver for a cordless drill: certainly convenient, but hardly a substitute for the person doing the work. One might hope the distinction would be apparent on screen.