Retired Navy SEAL commander and author Jocko Willink is bringing a parenting lesson to Hollywood with WAY OF THE WARRIOR KID: confidence grows when children learn to tackle hard things.
“The more discipline you have right now, the more freedom it will give you in the future,” Willink told Military.com in an interview published Oct. 26.
The upcoming Apple TV movie stars actor Chris Pratt as Uncle Jake and actor Jude Hill as his nephew, Marc. According to Apple’s official synopsis, Marc struggles with bullying, schoolwork and friendships before his injured uncle comes to spend the summer with him and his mother, Sarah, played by actress Linda Cardellini. Apple lists the movie as PG-13 with a Nov. 25, 2026, release date.
It is familiar territory for readers of Willink’s children’s book, which pairs Marc’s difficulties with math and swimming with a summer of exercise, studying and help from Uncle Jake. The movie’s synopsis emphasizes that Jake teaches his nephew courage rather than simply teaching him to fight.
For Willink, the idea began closer to the bookshelf than the movie set. He told Military.com that, while raising his four children, he struggled to find books that reflected the lessons and values he wanted to teach them, so he wrote his own.
Some of Marc’s struggles have roots in ordinary family moments. Willink recalled his oldest daughter coming home upset over multiplication tables and thinking she was not smart enough; he helped her make flashcards and practice.
Related: Chris Pratt Wants to ‘Shape Today’s Youth’ with Upcoming WAY OF THE WARRIOR KID
“She then realized she just had to work. She just had to study,” he said.
Another daughter wanted to take part in a school play but feared singing in front of other people. Willink described gradually helping her get comfortable performing, and she eventually landed the lead role. He said that experience inspired the book’s storyline about Marc overcoming his fear of water.
Getting those lessons to the screen took help, too. Military.com reported that producer Ben Everard became interested after discovering his own children doing push-ups because they wanted to become warrior kids. Willink said Pratt later read the screenplay in one sitting and wanted to help make the movie.
Willink also had a specific request for Uncle Jake: let him be approachable and funny. He described talking with Pratt about showing the human side of military personnel, including the way they enjoy time with their families.
“I have four kids. When I was home, I would have fun with my kids,” Willink said.
Families can also explore the habits behind the story through the free, 30-day Warrior Kid Challenge from Willink’s Jocko Fuel business, beginning Oct. 26. Its checklist includes making the bed, moving each day, reading for at least 20 minutes, eating well and drinking water, and going to bed on time.
The program also calls for daily service and one difficult task children choose themselves. The official page says families can join after the start date and do not need to buy anything; parents receive a printable tracker and guidance.
“Most kids don’t need a shortcut. They need a path — and someone who believes they can walk it,” Willink encouraged on the challenge’s official page.
Read Next: Chris Pratt’s WAY OF THE WARRIOR KID Coming This Fall
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
