The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) – Complete Guide

The Kid Who Would Be King is a 2019 British-American urban fantasy action-adventure film that reimagines King Arthur mythology through the eyes of a modern 12-year-old Londoner. Directed by Joe Cornish, the film combines Excalibur sword legend with contemporary coming-of-age themes, earning praise for its young cast and creative blend of medieval and modern elements.

Overview and Plot

The Kid Who Would Be King centers on Alex Elliot, a bullied Year 7 student in suburban London who becomes the unlikely wielder of Excalibur. After defending his friend Bedders from bullies and serving detention, Alex pursues them through a construction site where he pulls the legendary sword from concrete. This discovery summons Merlin, a shape-shifting wizard who ages backward, who reveals that Morgana le Fay is awakening from a thousand-year slumber and must be defeated before a solar eclipse ends.

The film follows Alex’s transformation as he knights his friend Bedders, undergoes sword training, and eventually recruits former enemies Lance and Kaye after trials that test their loyalty. The group faces betrayal, must restore Excalibur through the Lady of the Lake, and confronts Morgana at Tintagel, where Alex learns his absent father was unreliable but that worthiness—not birthright—determines the sword’s true owner.

The climactic battle sees the young knights luring Mortes Milles demons off cliffs, descending into the Underworld, and finally defending their school during the eclipse against Morgana’s draconic form. Alex defeats her by confessing a lie to his mother, demonstrating that honesty and merit overcome hereditary claims.

Cast and Characters

The Kid Who Would Be King features a predominantly young cast alongside established performers, with Louis Ashbourne Serkis leading as Alex Elliot. The film introduced several child actors to wider audiences while benefiting from Patrick Stewart’s involvement as elder Merlin.

Louis Ashbourne Serkis portrays Alex Elliot, a bullied Year 7 student who becomes worthy of wielding Excalibur. Dean Chaumoo plays Bedders, Alex’s loyal best friend who becomes the first knight. Tom Taylor and Rhianna Doris portray former bullies Lance and Kaye, who transform through trials to join the knightly quest.

Angus Imrie plays young Merlin, the shape-shifting wizard who guides Alex through magical challenges, while Patrick Stewart provides the voice and performance for elder Merlin. Rebecca Ferguson portrays Morgana le Fay, the enchantress seeking to enslave Britain. Supporting performances include Denise Gough as Alex’s mother.

The dual casting of Merlin creates a unique narrative device where the wizard ages backward through scenes, a creative choice that allows both Imrie’s physical performance and Stewart’s vocal gravitas to shape the character’s wisdom and whimsy.

Streaming and Availability

As of the available research data, specific streaming platform confirmations for The Kid Who Would Be King remain uncertain. No definitive information confirms availability on Netflix or Disney+ as primary platforms.

The film may be available through various digital rental or purchase services, and availability varies by region. Physical media including Blu-ray has been distributed through Amazon and other retailers. For the most current streaming options, checking individual platform libraries is recommended as content agreements change frequently.

Disney+ may feature the title through its broader 20th Century Studios catalog following Disney’s acquisition of the studio, though specific availability should be verified on the platform directly. Amazon offers the film for digital purchase and rental options.

Sequel Information

No evidence currently exists confirming development of The Kid Who Would Be King 2. The film stands as a standalone work with no announced sequel, follow-up series, or continuation from Joe Cornish or 20th Century Studios.

While the mythology and character arcs leave narrative possibilities open, no official announcements from production companies or cast members indicate active development. Reports from film news sources and official studio communications do not mention sequel plans, and the status should be considered unresolved unless confirmed through authoritative channels.

Age Rating and Parental Guide

In the United States, The Kid Who Would Be King carries a PG rating from the MPAA. The rating cites fantasy action violence, scary images, thematic elements including bullying, and mild language.

The film contains several elements parents may wish to consider. Battle sequences involve sword fighting and fantastical creatures in moderately intense confrontations. Morgana’s visual design and dark magic sequences may frighten younger viewers. The film’s engagement with themes of an absent father and bullying resonates with the target audience but may prompt discussions about these sensitive topics.

Positive elements include teamwork, moral choices about honesty and loyalty, and a protagonist who overcomes adversity through courage rather than supernatural gifts alone. The film balances its adventure elements with character development suitable for pre-teen audiences.

Merlin and Arthurian Elements

The Kid Who Would Be King draws extensively from traditional King Arthur mythology while transplanting these elements into contemporary London. The film’s title references T.H. White’s novel The Once and Future King, and the narrative echoes Arthurian legends while making them accessible to modern young audiences.

Excalibur appears as a sword embedded in concrete at a construction site, a modernization of the sword-in-the-stone legend. The Lady of the Lake mythology is incorporated when Alex must restore Excalibur through her intervention. Tintagel serves as the climactic location, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur.

Merlin is reimagined as a shape-shifting wizard who ages backward, allowing both Angus Imrie and Patrick Stewart to portray different life stages. His role as mentor guiding the chosen one follows traditional patterns while the aging mechanic adds fresh complexity. Morgana le Fay appears as the primary antagonist, commanding Mortes Milles demons in her quest to enslaver Britain.

The Chivalric Code themes run throughout as worthiness—tested through trials, honesty, and sacrifice—determines who may wield Excalibur. The film argues that leadership belongs to those who earn it through action and moral courage rather than birth or inheritance, a modern democratic reinterpretation of medieval aristocratic mythology.

Timeline

The following timeline outlines key events in the production and release of The Kid Who Would Be King:

• 2017-2018: Principal photography takes place in the United Kingdom
• Early 2019: Post-production completes including visual effects and sound design
• January 2019: Initial theatrical release in international markets begins
• February 2019: UK theatrical release dates proceed
• 2019: US theatrical release follows international rollout
• Post-2019: Home video and digital distribution including physical media release

Clarity

Established Facts:

• The film released in 2019 under Joe Cornish’s direction
• Louis Ashbourne Serkis stars as protagonist Alex Elliot
• Production is a 20th Century Studios British-American co-production
• Runtime is 120 minutes
• US rating is PG
• Patrick Stewart and Angus Imrie portray Merlin in dual casting
• Rebecca Ferguson plays Morgana le Fay

Uncertain or Unconfirmed Information:

• UK age rating classification details
• Specific current streaming platform availability
• Sequel development status or announcement likelihood
• Precise distribution through regional streaming services

Sources and Quotes

Information in this guide draws from the following sources:

“The Kid Who Who Be King is a 2019 urban fantasy action-adventure film written and directed by Joe Cornish.” — Wikipedia

“Alex, a bullied Year 7 student in suburban London, defends his friend Bedders from bullies Lance and Kaye, leading to detention and a chase where he pulls Excalibur from concrete.” — 20th Century Studios Fandom

“Merlin, a shape-shifting wizard who ages backward, reveals Morgana’s awakening and her Mortes Milles demons, giving Alex four days during a solar eclipse to stop her enslavement of Britain.” — Rotten Tomatoes

“US Rating: PG for fantasy action violence, scary images, thematic elements, and language.” — Goat Film Reviews

Summary

The Kid Who Would Be King successfully reimagines Arthurian legend for a contemporary young audience through Joe Cornish’s direction and a talented young cast. Louis Ashbourne Serkis leads as Alex Elliot, a bullied London schoolboy who discovers Excalibur and must unite friends and former enemies to defeat Morgana le Fay before a solar eclipse ends their four-day window. The film’s 120-minute runtime delivers a complete mythology-grounded adventure combining medieval fantasy with modern school dynamics.

The production’s strength lies in its Arthurian elements authentically translated to urban settings, with Merlin’s dual casting and Morgana’s striking villainy elevated by Patrick Stewart and Rebecca Ferguson’s performances. The themes of worthiness over birthright resonate throughout as Alex’s journey proves that merit—not inheritance—determines true leadership.

Streaming availability remains unclear in current data, requiring verification through individual platforms. The film holds a US PG rating for fantasy violence and thematic elements, making it suitable for pre-teens with parental guidance on bullying themes. No sequel has been announced, leaving the 2019 film as a standalone work that successfully honors its legendary source material while standing apart from other Excalibur interpretations.

Frequently Asked Questions