Netflix has announced a major new documentary partnership between King Charles III and Idris Elba for a new film exploring the impact of The King’s Trust, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
As a young man Idris Elba was the beneficiary of a grant from the Trust (then The Prince’s Trust), a small but life-changing opportunity, which enabled him to study acting.
Idris will accompany The King as he offers rare access and insights into his support for the Trust over the past five decades. At its heart will be the stories of some of the 1million young people the charity has helped around the world.
The documentary, which begins filming next week and will launch on Netflix in Autumn 2026, is produced by 22 Summers, a production company founded by Idris Elba and Diene Petterle.
The director is the award-winning Ashley Francis-Roy.
Alongside Diene Petterle, the other executive producers are Jonathan Smith and Eva Omaghomi. The showrunner is Clare Bradbury.
Among the production team will be young people supported by the Trust to build experience in film and television.
Idris Elba, Actor and Founder of the Elba Hope Foundation: “The King’s Trust gave me an opportunity that changed my life. At a time when I didn’t have the resources to pursue my ambitions, they offered real, practical support — including financial help — that helped me take those first steps to advance my career. Today, through the Elba Hope Foundation, I’m focused on creating those same opportunities for young people who are full of potential but lacking access. Around the world, millions are still waiting for that one door to open. This documentary is about shining a light on what’s possible when it does — and why the work of The King’s Trust remains so important.”
Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The King’s Trust: At its heart, this is a documentary about the power of believing in young people. It’s about an idea, driven by a young Prince who was determined to make a positive difference, that when young people are supported to succeed, we all succeed. Almost 50 years on, the momentum behind this idea has seen more than 1.3 million young people supported in over 20 countries around the world, including more than a million in the UK alone, through the work of The King’s Trust. Nobody understands the impact of this work better than those who have experienced the support we offer first hand. As a long-term supporter and former beneficiary of The Trust himself, Idris will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to this groundbreaking documentary as he peels back the layers of our story and shows how our life-changing work is as relevant today as it has ever been.
Staff Reporter
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