Even Arnold Schwarzenegger thinks his son-in-law is the worst Chris
The average man lives in constant fear of his father-in-law, constantly seeking approval that’s generally nowhere to be found. Imagine how much harder it must be to impress your father-in-law when he’s The Terminator. We’re talking about Chris Pratt and Arnold Schwarzenegger here. In case you were not aware, the internet once labeled Pratt The Worst Chris, and he also happens to be Arnie’s son-in-law. The nickname stuck after a 2020 Twitter poll, but the Schwarzenegger-Pratt household has moved well past that single meme cycle.
Worst, worst, worst
The thing about the “Chris Pratt is the worst Chris” debacle is it really could’ve happened to anyone called Chris. When you’re stacked against Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Chris Pine, the odds lean against you even if you lead the Guardians of the Galaxy. The poll asked followers which Chris they could stand to lose, and Pratt drew the short straw. His perceived ties to a church modeled after Hillsong, which faced accusations of anti-LGBTQ stances, fueled the backlash. Pratt later clarified he never attended Hillsong and instead goes to Zoe Church, which he has described as open to everyone. The meme originated in 2020 and has not resurfaced in any meaningful way since.
Insta-Pratt
The 2020 fundraiser unfolded on New Year’s Eve as Pratt used his Instagram Live feed to raise money for food insecurity relief. The stream featured Marvel colleagues including Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr., along with Jamie Foxx. Half the donations went to Feeding America and the rest reached frontline groups hit hardest by COVID-19. The event ultimately raised $615,000. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the feed, turning a charitable night into an unplanned family comedy moment.
If it isn’t Star-Prince
Pratt introduced his father-in-law with the usual flourish: “Our next guest is a pretty important guy. He is Mr. Universe. He is the Terminator. He’s the former governor of California. He’s my father-in-law. My daughter’s grandfather. In a word, I better not screw this up or I will be terminated.” Schwarzenegger opened with “Hello, Chris Evans,” then corrected himself instantly. The clip still circulates as a lighthearted highlight of the evening. The mix-up remains the sort of small, human slip that keeps getting shared because it happened to two larger-than-life figures.
Star-Lord, legendary outlaw
Whether nerves or unfamiliarity with the platform caused the name slip, the moment passed quickly. The fundraiser succeeded, and the family has continued to mark milestones together through 2026. Public appearances and positive statements from Arnold indicate the relationship has stayed steady.
Growing Schwarzenegger-Pratt Family
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger married in June 2019. They celebrated their seventh anniversary in June 2026 with mutual social media tributes. The couple now has three children: daughters Lyla and Eloise, and son Ford, who was born in November 2024. The family appears together regularly at holidays and public events, giving the multi-generational household a settled rhythm that extends far beyond the 2020 Instagram stream.
Arnold’s Grandfather Role and Family Bonds
Arnold Schwarzenegger has spoken warmly about Pratt as both a husband and father. He has described the couple as well-matched and expressed happiness that they found each other. Schwarzenegger’s gift-giving tendencies show up in family life; he has been noted for thoughtful presents that reflect his role as a hands-on grandfather. Shared birthdays, holidays, and casual gatherings keep the connection visible and steady.
Potential On-Screen Family Collaboration
At the 2025 premiere events for FUBAR season 2, Schwarzenegger mentioned he would consider co-starring with both Chris Pratt and his own son Patrick Schwarzenegger under the right circumstances. The comment opened a professional lane that sits alongside the family relationship rather than replacing it. No project has been announced, yet the willingness itself signals an easy working rapport.
Pratt’s Church Clarifications
After the 2020 meme cycle, Pratt addressed the church questions directly in 2022 interviews. He stated he never attended Hillsong and instead belongs to Zoe Church, which he has characterized as welcoming to all. Those statements clarified the earlier confusion without reopening the broader debate. The original poll and its fallout remain a 2020 footnote rather than an active talking point.
Holiday Traditions and Personal Gifts
Schwarzenegger’s Christmas 2025 gift to Pratt and the children included a custom oversized portrait. Pratt later mentioned the present during an early 2026 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, noting the personal touch. Small gestures like this keep the family dynamic light and affectionate even when the cameras are off.
The Schwarzenegger-Pratt household has expanded and settled since the 2020 fundraiser. Three children, repeated public appearances, and Arnold’s own approving comments paint a picture of steady family ties. The Chris Evans mix-up still earns laughs online, yet the day-to-day reality looks more like shared holidays and milestone celebrations than any lingering nickname. Arnold remains the larger-than-life father-in-law, and Pratt continues to navigate that role with the same mix of humor and care that first drew attention during the Instagram Live stream.

