Apple TV will premiere Way of the Warrior Kid worldwide on November 20, 2026. The feature adapts Jocko Willink’s bestselling book into a family-friendly, mentorship-driven action-drama — a story about an 11-year-old boy who struggles with bullying and low self-esteem and the retired Navy SEAL who helps him find confidence.
What we know
– Release: November 20, 2026, globally on Apple TV. Apple confirmed the date in its official announcement.
– Key creatives: Directed by McG, with a screenplay by Will Staples. Jocko Willink is attached as a producer.
– Cast and collaborators: Chris Pratt stars as Jake, the former SEAL mentor. The ensemble includes Linda Cardellini and young actor Jude Hill, among others. The project is a collaboration between Apple and Skydance Media, produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, McG, Mary Viola and Pratt; executive producers include Will Staples, Steven Bello and Cliff Lanning.
Tone and approach
McG is shaping the film to blend brisk pacing and accessible action with heartfelt, character-driven moments. Rather than leaning on tournament-style spectacle, the movie emphasizes steady personal growth: practical training sequences become emotional milestones, and discipline and courage are presented as skills the young protagonist can learn. Expect an energetic, family-friendly vibe that aims to inspire without tipping into sentimentality.
Why it matters
By foregrounding mentorship over competition, Way of the Warrior Kid slots neatly into the kind of underdog, coming-of-age stories audiences have embraced in recent years — think the emotional throughlines of Cobra Kai or the Karate Kid legacy, but without the tournament arc. The casting of Pratt and McG’s involvement give the film commercial visibility, while the producers’ franchise experience leaves the door open for sequels if the title resonates with viewers.
Franchise potential and next steps
For now, Apple is positioning the movie as a standalone feature. That said, the narrative structure — a mentor teaching different youths — naturally supports follow-ups, and insiders say Apple will weigh viewership and engagement metrics after launch before deciding on any expansion. Marketing, distribution details and additional production updates are expected from Apple as the premiere approaches. If audiences respond, this could be the start of a broader, character-led series of stories rooted in the same underdog spirit.