Skydance Ties Up Global Deal For Chris Pratt & McG Movie ‘The Way Of The Warrior Kid’ Marking Biggest Film Market Pact In Years

Amid its prolonged pursuit of Paramount, Skydance has managed to strike what is believed to be an $80-$85 million global deal for the Chris Pratt Cannes package, "The Way Of The Warrior Kid."

This deal marks the largest package acquisition from a film market since Apple’s purchase of "Emancipation" in 2020. The deal was brokered by UTA Independent Film Group.

Prior to last month’s Cannes market, it was revealed that Chris Pratt, known for his role in "Jurassic World," is partnering with director McG (famous for "Charlie’s Angels" and "The Babysitter") on this highly sought-after project, which is set to begin production this summer. The screenplay, written by Will Staples ("Without Remorse"), is an adaptation of the children’s novel by Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL turned popular podcast host, author, and motivational speaker. Casting is still underway. Skydance plans to bring the project to Apple as part of its overall deal.

"The Way Of The Warrior Kid" is a youth empowerment story about an 11-year-old boy named Marc who is bullied and struggles to do even one pull-up. His life changes when his uncle Jake, an elite Navy SEAL, comes to live with Marc’s family after being injured on a mission. Discovering Marc’s academic, social, and physical difficulties, Jake decides to use his SEAL training to help Marc find his inner warrior over the course of three summer months.

The book teaches lessons beyond swimming, math, exercise, health, and fighting. It emphasizes the power of focus and discipline in overcoming fears, standing up for oneself, solving problems, and building confidence.

Skydance showed early interest in the project and remained enthusiastic even before it arrived at the Croisette, although the company did not attend the event in person. Numerous independent buyers and domestic distributors were keen on the film, but Skydance’s substantial global offer was unbeatable. There was an expectation from the beginning that this project would secure a worldwide deal. FilmNation handled international sales.

Skydance, known for backing "Top Gun: Maverick" and the "Mission: Impossible" series, will produce the film alongside McG and Mary Viola from Wonderland Sound and Vision, Ben Everard from Everard Entertainment, Jocko Willink, and Chris Pratt from Indivisible Productions.

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