Just in time for Thanksgiving week, Chris Pratt is starring in a new family drama about a bullied boy, a wounded uncle and the hard, slow work of becoming brave. Way of the Warrior Kid is set to premiere worldwide on Apple TV on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, according to Apple’s official press page.
Apple released the trailer on October 27, and the film is already drawing attention from parents who want something meaningful to watch with older kids. Here is what families should know before pressing play.
The story
The film is based on the 2017 children’s novel by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. Jude Hill plays Marc, a kind middle schooler who is picked on at school and feels behind in class, in gym and in making friends. Linda Cardellini plays his mom, Sarah.
When Marc’s uncle Jake (Pratt), a decorated Navy SEAL, is injured, he comes to stay with Marc and his mom for the summer to recover. Jake designs a training plan based on his SEAL experience and calls it “Operation Warrior Kid.” According to Apple’s synopsis, the point is not simply to teach Marc to fight. Jake teaches him what courage really means, while facing his own inner struggles along the way.
In the trailer, Jake tells Marc, “Warriors aren’t born, they’re made,” as noted by The Christian Post. The film’s tagline, listed on Moviefone, is “It takes a hero to train one.”
The movie is directed by McG, with a screenplay by Will Staples. Pratt also serves as a producer, and Willink is listed among the producers. It runs about 106 minutes.
Parents’ guide: the official rating
Rating: PG-13. Apple’s press page lists the film as PG-13. Vital Thrills reported that it is rated PG-13 “for action, violence, language, and brief suggestive references.”
Here is what that means in practice for most families:
- Action and violence: A story about bullying and SEAL-style training will likely include scuffles, physical confrontations and intense training scenes. The bullying itself may be hard for some children to watch, especially if they have lived through it.
- Language: PG-13 films can include some profanity. Expect some rough language.
- Brief suggestive references: The rating notes these are brief, but parents of younger children may want to be ready to skip or explain.
- Heavier themes: Apple’s synopsis says Jake is injured and is facing his own “demons.” Expect some serious moments about recovery and personal struggle.
We have not seen the full film, so this guide is based on the official rating and the published descriptions. If you have a sensitive child or one under 13, consider watching it first yourself, or check a detailed parent review once the film is out.
Why it may be worth a family conversation
Bullying is something many children face quietly. A story where a caring adult steps in, not to fight a child’s battles for him but to help him grow stronger, can open a door to honest talk at home.
Pratt has been open about his Christian faith. In a previous interview quoted by The Christian Post, he said he wants his children to know “their dad was unashamed of his faith in Jesus.” The Post did not say whether the film itself contains faith content, so families should not expect a faith-based movie. Its themes of discipline, courage and mentorship, though, fit naturally with what many Christian parents hope to teach.
Long before any movie, God spoke words of courage to a young leader facing a hard road:
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
True courage is not the absence of fear. It is doing the right thing while knowing we are not alone.
Questions to talk about after watching
- What did Marc have to practice before he felt brave?
- Is being strong the same as being tough? What is the difference?
- What should you do if you see someone being picked on at school?
- Who is a “Jake” in your life, someone who believes in you and pushes you to grow?
How to watch
Way of the Warrior Kid is an Apple TV original, so it will stream on Apple TV, which requires a subscription. Earlier listings gave November 20 as the release date. Current Apple materials, 9to5Mac and The Christian Post now give November 25. Release dates can change, so check the Apple TV app close to the date.
Through every storm, we rise together.
Has a mentor, coach or family member ever helped you find courage you did not know you had? Share your story in the comments.
Sources: Apple TV Press, “Way of the Warrior Kid” (accessed Nov 2, 2026); 9to5Mac, “Apple TV releases trailer for upcoming original film starring Chris Pratt” (Oct 27, 2026); Vital Thrills, “Way of the Warrior Kid Trailer and Key Art Debut” (Oct 27, 2026); The Christian Post, “Watch: Chris Pratt teaches courage, resilience in ‘Way of the Warrior Kid’ trailer” (Oct 28, 2026); Moviefone, “Way of the Warrior Kid (2026)” (accessed Nov 2, 2026); Wikipedia, “Way of the Warrior Kid” (accessed Nov 2, 2026); KJV Joshua 1:9
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