King Charles and Idris Elba are teaming up on a new Netflix documentary exploring the impact of The King‘s Trust, in celebration of the charity’s 50th anniversary.
Luther star Elba was the beneficiary of a grant from the Trust (then The Prince’s Trust, before Charles had ascended to the British throne). For Elba, it was a small but life-changing opportunity, which enabled him to study acting.
The currently untitled doc will see Elba, founder of the Elba Hope Foundation, accompany the King as he offers rare access and insights into his support for the Trust over the past five decades. At its heart, Netflix says, will be the compelling stories of some of the one million young people the charity has helped around the world.
“The King’s Trust gave me an opportunity that changed my life,” Elba said. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
The documentary, which begins filming next week and will launch on Netflix in fall 2026, is produced by 22 Summers, a production company founded by Elba and Diene Petterle. Ashley Francis-Roy directs.
Alongside Petterle, the other executive producers are Jonathan Smith and Eva Omaghomi. Clare Bradbury will serve as showrunner.
“Nobody understands the impact of this work better than those who have experienced the support we offer first hand,” said Jonathan Townsend, U.K. chief executive of The King’s Trust. “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.”
