Harry and Meghan to produce Afghanistan war film for Netflix

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expanding their creative footprint with Netflix, announcing on May 14, 2026, that their company, Archewell Productions, is developing a feature film adaptation of the Afghanistan war memoir No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege.

The project marks a significant shift in the couple's production strategy, moving into scripted feature territory with a story deeply connected to the Duke of Sussex's personal history as a veteran of the conflict. The film will be written by Matt Charman, the Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Bridge of Spies.

The Story: 'Easy Company' at Musa Qala

Based on the 2018 memoir by British Major Adam Jowett, the film will chronicle the experiences of 'Easy Company' — a unit of paratroopers and Royal Irish Rangers. In July 2006, the unit was deployed to Musa Qala in Helmand province, where they were tasked with holding an isolated outpost against a massive Taliban force.

The resulting 21-day siege became one of the most intense and decorated engagements of the war. Major Jowett's account is noted for its raw depiction of the physical and psychological toll of high-intensity combat, as well as the complex moral landscape faced by soldiers on the ground.

Production Details

Archewell's head of scripted content, Tracy Ryerson, will oversee the project alongside the Duke and Duchess. While no casting decisions have been announced, the attachment of a high-profile writer like Charman suggests a large-scale production aimed at the prestige awards circuit.

The project is part of the multi-year deal Archewell signed with Netflix in 2020. While the partnership has yielded several high-profile documentary series — including Harry & Meghan and Heart of Invictus — No Way Out represents a major step into scripted narrative storytelling.

Personal Resonance

Prince Harry’s involvement in the project is seen as a natural extension of his advocacy for the veteran community. Having served two tours of duty in Afghanistan — first as a forward air controller in 2007-2008 and later as an Apache helicopter pilot in 2012-2013 — the Duke has frequently spoken about the need to tell authentic stories of military service.

Industry observers suggest that Harry's firsthand experience will provide a level of technical and emotional oversight rarely seen in Hollywood war films. Archewell has stated that the production will work closely with veteran consultants to ensure the film's accuracy and sensitivity.

Future Slate and Archewell's Evolution

The announcement of No Way Out comes amid a busy period for Archewell Productions. The company is currently in various stages of development on several other projects for Netflix, including a lifestyle-focused series hosted by the Duchess. As the couple's deal enters its final phases, the move toward prestige scripted content indicates a long-term ambition to establish themselves as serious players in the global film and television industry.

Netflix has not yet set a release date for the film, but production is expected to begin in late 2026.

The evolution of Archewell since its inception in 2020 has been closely watched by industry analysts. Initially focused on high-concept documentaries and podcasts, the pivot toward high-stakes war drama suggests a desire to compete with established production houses like Plan B or Imagine Entertainment. By selecting a story like No Way Out, which balances visceral action with complex human emotion, Harry and Meghan are signaling that they are ready to handle weighty, multi-dimensional narratives that require significant production scale.

Furthermore, the project could serve as a vehicle for Netflix to further consolidate its position in the competitive streaming market. War films often perform well on the platform, and the combined star power of the Sussexes with the critical acclaim of Matt Charman is a powerful draw for subscribers. As the project moves into the pre-production phase, the industry will be watching to see how the couple manages the transition from non-fiction storytellers to producers of a major motion picture.