Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to produce a film adaptation of a British soldier’s harrowing account of combat in Afghanistan, Netflix announced on Thursday.
The streaming giant confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will develop “No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege” through their production company, Archewell Productions.
The book, written by British Major Adam Jowett, details his experience leading a unit of paratroopers and Royal Irish Rangers during a critical military operation in July 2006. His small force was tasked with holding Musa Qala, a city in Helmand province that served as both a Taliban stronghold and major opium-growing region at the time.
Tracy Ryerson, head of scripted content at Archewell Productions, will co-produce the film alongside the couple. Matt Charman, who received an Oscar nomination for his work on “Bridge of Spies” in 2015, will write the screenplay.
The project marks a return to more serious content for Harry and Meghan, who relocated to the United States after stepping back from royal duties. The couple signed their first deal with Netflix in 2020, reportedly worth $20 million, as they sought financial independence from the British taxpayer.
Their documentary series “Harry & Meghan” proved successful for the platform, but subsequent projects struggled to find an audience. The lifestyle programme “With Love, Meghan” faced criticism for appearing tone deaf and was cancelled after two seasons. The show featured the former actress hosting guests at a luxurious California property for various craft projects.
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Last year, Netflix and the couple renegotiated a more limited first-look agreement.
The Afghan war project holds personal significance for Harry, the younger son of King Charles III. He completed two combat tours in Afghanistan during his time in the British Army and held the rank of captain when he left military service.
The film’s source material chronicles the fierce fighting that engulfed Musa Qala in 2006, where British forces faced sustained and deadly Taliban attacks whilst trying to maintain control of the strategically important city.
Netflix has not announced a release date for the production.
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