Chris Pratt to star in ‘Way Of The Warrior Kid’

Chris Pratt from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Part 3.’

Example:

• Chris Pratt will star in and produce “Way of the Warrior Kid.”
• McG is on board to direct the film.
• The film will be looking for distribution in the Cannes market.

Outside of his work on the Amazon series, Chris Pratt may still want to prove he can tackle projects beyond his Marvel and other franchise appearances. ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ was certainly a big hit last year, although that was driven more by video game nostalgia than its name. And he’ll be heard rather than seen in the upcoming “The Garfield Movie,” which focuses on the cartoon cat brought to CG life on screens.

According to Deadline, he’s part of a new film package that appears to be finding success (specifically a buyer) at the Cannes market this year. Pratt is attached to star in “Way of the Warrior Kid,” which adapts the book by retired Navy SEAL Jock Willink.

With McG on board to direct, the new film appears to be targeting an audience that wants a story about youth empowerment without a fantasy angle.

What is the story of ‘Way of the Warrior Kid’?

Chris Pratt in Prime Video’s ‘The Terminal List’

Willink used his experiences and training to write the book about Marc, a boy who doubts himself and is bullied and has difficulty making even one attempt. That is until his Uncle Jake, an elite Navy SEAL, is injured during a mission and moves in with his sister for rehabilitation. When he discovers that his 11-year-old nephew Marc is struggling academically, socially and physically, Jake embarks on a new mission: using his SEAL Team training over three summer months to help the youth find their inner warrior.

Here’s what Willink says about the book, which has since spawned several sequels and spinoffs, including merchandise:

“I spent my adult life in the army. I was in the SEAL teams, deployed everywhere, rose through the chain of command and was fortunate to have had a blessed career. That whole time I also had a wife and four children. I wanted to read those books and I went to the store or to the library and I just couldn’t find any that I liked. The straw that broke the camel’s back was a pirate book. And it was full of the weakest, saddest pirates I had ever heard of.”

Related Article: Director James Gunn and Chris Pratt Talk ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3’

Who makes ‘Way of the Warrior Kid’?

(L to R) Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu in director McG’s “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.” Photo: Sony Pictures release.

In addition to Pratt and McG, the project’s “Without Remorse” writer Will Staples is penning the script, which UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation will market in France.

Here’s what Pratt said about the project:

“Will Staples’ screenplay is incredible. I have known Jocko Willink for a few years, so I wanted to read the script based on his series of children’s books. I believe in the power of storytelling and especially felt called to the material. I am confident that this film will help shape the youth of today and set them on the right path. Our young people need this film, and I hope this story will help bridge the growing divide and inspire the next generation to learn valuable lessons about discipline, self-reliance, strength and compassion. This is the kind of movie that can define a generation, like “Karate Kid” or “Rocky.” This is the kind of movie I want to show my kids. So with the help of a great creative team and the right partner, we will make it.”

When will ‘Way of the Warrior Kid’ hit theaters?

With no distributor attached yet, there’s no information on whether it will hit theaters, let alone a release date. But given Pratt’s star power and the confidence-inspiring kids’ angle (which will appeal to a wide audience), we’d expect this film to move forward before too long.

(L to R) Chris Pratt, Edwin Hodge and Sam Richardson star in ‘The Tomorrow War.’ Owned by Amazon Prime Video.

Other McG films:

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