McG’s ‘Way of the Warrior Kid’ Starring Chris Pratt Reveals First Look and Global Debut Date

(hollywoodreporter.com Feb. 3, 2026)

McG’s Way of the Warrior Kid for Apple TV will show audiences the way this November.

On Tuesday, the streamer confirmed a global release date of Nov. 20, and released first look at images from the Apple Original Films project based on the novel by Jocko Willink and starring Chris Pratt, Linda Cardellini and Jude Hill. The news dropped at Apple TV’s press day at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, where the three stars joined Willink to pump the project.

The film is based on Willink’s novel Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way. It centers on Marc, who is experiencing a nightmare middle school experience. A good kid who is bullied by his classmates, he struggles with feeling like he’s behind in everything, from academics and physical education to making friends. His life changes when his Navy SEAL uncle Jake, played by Pratt, comes to spend the summer with him while recuperating from an injury. Jake devises an ambitious plan called “Operation Warrior Kid” to help Marc defend himself. In the process, Jake shows Marc what real courage is while facing down his own demons.

During Tuesday’s appearance, Willink recalled how he found himself writing the book in the first place. “I was always on the hunt for books for my kids but I couldn’t find anything that conveyed the principles that I wanted them to have, so I wrote my own books,” he said. “Luckily for me, the books were very successful.”

Pratt praised Way of the Warrior Kid as “this generation’s Karate Kid, with an inspiring message that we

can all connect to if you’ve ever felt weak or bullied or unsure of where your life is going, or in need of leadership, or in need of a mentor.” McG directed from a script by Will Staples (Without Remorse). Pratt, Cardellini and Hill star alongside Ava Torres, Levi McConaughey, Darien Sills-Evans, Carl McDowell, Parker Young and more.

Hailing from Apple and Skydance Media, Way of the Warrior Kid is produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger, alongside McG and Mary Viola for Wonderland Sound, Chris Pratt for Indivisible Productions, Ben Everard for Everard Entertainment, Bruce Wayne Gillies and author Jocko Willink. Will Staples, Steven Bello and Cliff Lanning serve as executive producers.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/apple-tv-way-of-the-warrior-kid-chris-pratt-release-date-1236493392/

Why we train

 

Iconic 80s Movie ‘The Karate Kid’ to become New Musical in 2026

(theatreandtonic.co.uk)

The UK premiere production of The Karate Kid - The Musical will embark on a major UK Tour next spring, before plans for the West End and Broadway. 

Written by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 movie, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, The Karate Kid - The Musical will open at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 28 April, before touring nationwide to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and Cardiff, until Saturday 1 August 2026. Further dates are to be announced.

The original Karate Kid blockbuster starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi enjoyed spectacular box office success and wide critical acclaim, with Morita receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The movie fast became a cultural phenomenon, launching a major global franchise that has included three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018 – 2025). This year saw the release of the sixth movie, Karate Kid: Legends starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL received its world premiere in St. Louis, USA in 2022, playing to sold out houses with rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Bringing the original, now legendary 1984 film to life on stage, this heart-felt coming of age story is reimagined through movement, music, and raw, energetic storytelling. At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, dignity, and respect. 

A Tony Award-winning design team transforms iconic cinematic moments into an emotionally charged, kinetic stage experience. Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations. Destiny is in your hands - wax on - wax off.

THE KARATE KID writer and creator Robert Mark Kamen says: “William Goldman said about Hollywood "No one knows anything." He was right. Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for THE KARATE KID, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”

https://theatreandtonic.co.uk/theatre-news/the-karate-kid-the-musical-announces-world-premiere-in-2026