Way of the Warrior Kid (2026)

Overview of the film "Way of the Warrior Kid"

"Way of the Warrior Kid" is an upcoming American drama film directed by McG, written by Will Staples, based on the 2017 children's novel of the same name by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. The world premiere will take place on November 20, 2026 on Apple TV+.

Plot

The film tells the story of Marc (Jude Hill), a boy who suffers from bullying at school and feels like a failure in everything — from academics to physical education. His life changes when his uncle Jake (Chris Pratt), an elite injured Navy SEAL, comes to stay for the summer to recover with Marc and his mom Sarah (Linda Cardellini). Jake develops an ambitious program called "Operation Warrior Kid", based on his SEAL training. Instead of teaching his nephew to fight, Jake shows Marc what true courage is, while overcoming his own demons.

Cast

• Chris Pratt as Uncle Jake, an injured Navy SEAL
• Linda Cardellini as Sarah, Marc's mother
• Jude Hill as Marc, the main character

Crew

• Director: McG
• Writer: Will Staples
• Producers: David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, McG, Mary Viola, Chris Pratt, Ben Everard, Jocko Willink
• Studios: Apple TV+, Skydance Media

Franchise chronology

Currently, the film is not part of a franchise, but it is based on the book of the same name by Jocko Willink, which is part of the "Warrior Kid" book series. The series includes:

• "Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way" (2017) — the original book that served as the basis for the film.
• "Way of the Warrior Kid 2: Marc's Mission" (2018) — a sequel where Marc helps another child.
• "Way of the Warrior Kid 3: Where There's a Will..." (2019) — the third book in the series.

The film adapts the first book, but there are currently no announced plans to adapt the sequels.

Where to watch

The film will be released exclusively on Apple TV+ on November 20, 2026. After release, it will be available to watch with a subscription on the platform.

• Apple TV+ — Way of the Warrior Kid
• IMDb page
• TMDB page