In a recent interview with Men’s Journal, actor Chris Pratt shared his thoughts on why movies such as “Taken” and his own series, “The Terminal List,” strike a chord with audiences. Pratt, a 43-year-old father of three, attributed their resonance to the universal fatherly instinct to protect one’s family.
Pratt expressed that every dad secretly fantasizes about what they would do if their children were threatened. He emphasized that when faced with a situation or even just the imagination of danger befalling their kids, fathers’ minds venture into wild places. This underlying sentiment, according to Pratt, is why storylines featuring protective fathers resonate so strongly with audiences.
“I think every dad secretly fantasizes about what they would do if someone ever f***ed with their kids,” the 43-year-old father of three said during a recent interview with Men’s Journal.
“Whenever you’re put in a position, or even imagine a position, where those kids are in danger, your mind goes to wild places,” Pratt continued. “I think that’s why those storylines resonate so strongly with fathers.”
Drawing from his own experiences, Pratt admitted that he would likely react in a similar manner to his character, Navy SEAL James Reece, in “The Terminal List.” In the series, Reece seeks revenge on those responsible for his family’s murder. Pratt humorously described the mindset of fathers when lost in their thoughts, highlighting the blend of concern and determination they experience. He mused that this inclination might be personal or common among dads, unveiling a relatable aspect of fatherhood.
Pratt acknowledged the success of the 2008 thriller “Taken,” starring Liam Neeson, and stated that its popularity stemmed from fathers’ enthusiastic support. He noted that dads cheered for Neeson’s character, rejoicing in his utilization of unique skills to protect his family.
While “The Terminal List” received mixed reviews from critics, it garnered a devoted fan following. Addressing the criticism labeling the show as an “unhinged revenge fantasy,” Pratt concurred, suggesting that it embraced that concept to a certain extent.
Showrunner David DiGilio chimed in, emphasizing that the series was not intended to be political, despite attempts by critics to portray it as such. DiGilio explained that the focus was on authentically portraying the warrior ethos from all perspectives, drawing from the experiences of individuals who had lived it and those observing it.
As Pratt reflected on his role and engaged with audiences, he emphasized the underlying question that many fathers ask themselves: What would they do if faced with a threat to their loved ones? This exploration of the fatherly instinct serves as the central theme behind the resonance of movies like “Taken” and series like “The Terminal List.”
