Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are developing a new feature film for Netflix based on No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege, the memoir by Major Adam Jowett.
According to reports, the adaptation is being written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Matt Charman as part of Netflix’s ongoing partnership with Archewell Productions.
The movie project centers on a real military operation in Afghanistan during the war in 2006. The memoir follows Easy Company, a unit of British soldiers tasked with defending the district center of Musa Qala in Helmand Province while heavily outnumbered and under constant attack. The adaptation also marks another major scripted project for Archewell as the company continues expanding its film and television slate at Netflix following changes to its original overall deal structure.
What Is No Way Out About?
The film is based on Major Adam Jowett’s 2019 memoir No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege.
The book recounts events that took place in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in July 2006.
Jowett led Easy Company, a small unit made up of Paras and Royal Irish Rangers assigned to defend Musa Qala against Taliban forces. According to descriptions of the memoir, the soldiers were isolated, heavily outnumbered, and trapped in a prolonged siege while under repeated attack.
The story follows: the pressure of military leadership, the psychological toll of combat, survival in prolonged warfare, and the responsibility Jowett bore for the soldiers under his command.
Reports surrounding the adaptation describe the project as an emotional war story in the tradition of films like Black Hawk Down and The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Matt Charman Is Writing the Adaptation
Matt Charman is reportedly writing the movie adaptation.
Charman received an Academy Award nomination for co-writing Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies.
His recent television work includes: Treason for Netflix, Hostage, and Prisoner.
He is also attached to upcoming projects through his production company, Binocular Productions.
Prince Harry and Meghan Continue Expanding Archewell’s Netflix Slate
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Archewell executive Tracy Ryerson are reportedly producing the film.
The project becomes the latest film in development through Archewell’s first-look partnership with Netflix.
Additional reported projects connected to Archewell include:
- An adaptation of The Wedding Date
- An adaptation of Carley Fortune’s Meet Me at the Lake
- A polo-themed television drama produced alongside Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage
Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria also recently confirmed the company continues actively developing projects with Archewell across both film and television.
The relationship between Netflix and Archewell has drawn ongoing media attention since the pair first signed their production deal with the streamer in 2020.
Why This Story Has a Personal Connection to Prince Harry
The material reportedly holds personal significance for Prince Harry due to his own military service.
Harry served two tours in Afghanistan, including deployment in Helmand Province, where the events of No Way Out took place.
While no casting details or production timeline have been announced yet, the adaptation appears positioned as one of Archewell’s more serious scripted projects to date.
FAQ
- What is the new Prince Harry Netflix movie about? The film adapts No Way Out, a memoir about British soldiers trapped during a siege in Afghanistan in 2006.
- Who is writing the Netflix adaptation of No Way Out? Oscar-nominated writer Matt Charman is reportedly writing the screenplay.
- Is Archewell still working with Netflix? Yes. Netflix recently confirmed it continues developing multiple film and television projects with Archewell Productions.
Key Details
- Project: No Way Out adaptation
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
- Based On: No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege by Major Adam Jowett
- Writer: Matt Charman
- Producers: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Tracy Ryerson
- Production Company: Archewell Productions
- Genre: War drama / military thriller
- Status: In development
- Setting: Helmand Province, Afghanistan
- Reported Partnership: Netflix first-look deal with Archewell Productions