The upcoming Apple TV original film, Chris Pratt’s Warrior Kid, will premiere on November 20, 2026. Based on Jocko Willink’s children’s book, the story follows a young boy’s journey to overcome bullying and build confidence with help from his Navy SEAL uncle, portrayed by Pratt. This release date coincides with the debut of exclusive images featuring Pratt alongside Jude Hill, who plays the film’s young protagonist.
Storyline Focuses on Courage and Personal Growth
The film follows Marc (Jude Hill), a middle schooler struggling with bullying, academic challenges, and social isolation. His summer takes a turn when his Uncle Jake (Chris Pratt), an injured Navy SEAL, comes to stay with Marc and his mother, Sarah (Linda Cardellini). Jake launches “Operation Warrior Kid,” a training program designed not to teach fighting skills but to instill bravery and resilience in Marc, helping him confront his fears and build self-assurance. The story emphasizes courage through facing personal struggles rather than physical combat.
Middle school has been a nightmare for Marc (Hill), a good kid who’s bullied by his classmates and feels like he’s behind in everything, from academics to P.E. to just making friends. That changes when his injured Uncle Jake (Pratt), a decorated Navy SEAL, comes to spend the summer and recuperate with Marc and his mom, Sarah (Cardellini). To help Marc defend himself, Jake devises an ambitious program he calls ‘Operation Warrior Kid’ based on his SEAL training. Instead of teaching his nephew how to fight, Jake shows Marc what real courage is, facing down his own demons along the way. Based on the bestselling novel by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, ‘Way of the Warrior Kid’ is directed by McG (‘Charlie’s Angels,’ ‘Terminator Salvation’) from a screenplay by Will Staples (‘Without Remorse,’ ‘The Right Stuff’).
— Official Synopsis
Cast and Creative Team Behind the Production
In addition to Chris Pratt, Linda Cardellini, and Jude Hill, the film features Ava Torres, Levi McConaughey, Darien Sills-Evans, Carl McDowell, and Parker Young in supporting roles. Directed by McG, known for hits like Charlie’s Angels and Terminator Salvation, the screenplay is penned by Will Staples, whose credits include Without Remorse and The Right Stuff.
The production is overseen by Skydance Media’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, along with McG and Mary Viola of Wonderland Sound. Chris Pratt also serves as a producer through Indivisible Productions, joined by Ben Everard of Everard Entertainment, Bruce Wayne Gillies, and author Jocko Willink. Executive producers include Will Staples, Steven Bello, and Cliff Lanning.
Significance and Anticipated Audience Impact
Way of the Warrior Kid addresses themes of courage, perseverance, and mentoring, offering a story aimed at young viewers who may relate to challenges like bullying and self-doubt. With Chris Pratt’s involvement and the backing of Skydance Media, the film is positioned to connect with families and fans of inspirational narratives. Its arrival on Apple TV will add a family-oriented feature to the streaming platform’s growing slate just in time for the holiday season of 2026.
