New Film Draws High Praise
Chris Pratt used the Independence Day weekend to encourage Americans to head to theaters and watch Young Washington, offering enthusiastic praise for Angel Studios’ latest historical drama and comparing it to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated epics.
In a video shared on Instagram, Pratt urged moviegoers to consider the film as part of their Fourth of July celebrations.
“Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the box office!!! There’s a lot of great choices this weekend. But considering it’s July 4 weekend I humbly suggest ‘Young Washington,'” Pratt wrote.
The actor said the film exceeded his expectations.
“I was actually blown away. The movie is incredible. Like Braveheart for Americans.”
Pratt also singled out director Jon Erwin and lead actor William Franklyn-Miller for praise, predicting a bright future for the young star.
“Jon Erwin crushed it. William did a great job as young Washington. Remember the name! A star is born!”
He later added, “The movie is awesome! Way to go!!”
The endorsement came as Young Washington enjoyed a strong debut at the domestic box office.
According to Box Office Mojo, the film earned approximately $20.8 million during its opening weekend while playing on roughly 2,700 screens. On July 4 alone, the movie reportedly brought in about $7.65 million, delivering a notable holiday performance even as many Americans spent the day attending celebrations, cookouts, and fireworks displays.
The opening gave Angel Studios another successful theatrical release despite operating with a smaller marketing budget than many major Hollywood studios.
By comparison, Supergirl earned approximately $9.6 million during its second weekend while playing in 3,602 theaters, according to the same box office data.
Young Washington tells the story of George Washington before he became the nation’s first president, focusing on his early military service during the French and Indian War and the experiences that helped shape his leadership.
Franklyn-Miller leads the cast alongside veteran actors Kelsey Grammer, Ben Kingsley, and Mary-Louise Parker.
Critical reaction has been mixed, but many audience members have responded positively. On Rotten Tomatoes, viewers have praised the film’s decision to explore a lesser-known period of Washington’s life rather than concentrating solely on his role during the American Revolution or his presidency.
One audience reviewer wrote, “I liked seeing the early years of Washington’s life during the French and Indian War. We often just think of the midlife and elder version of Washington. I hope this is the first movie of a trilogy covering his whole life.”
That possibility appears to be moving closer to reality.
Following the film’s release, director, producer, and co-writer Jon Erwin announced that a sequel titled 1776 is already in pre-production. The planned follow-up will shift the story from Washington’s formative military years to the American Revolution, continuing what Erwin hopes will become a broader cinematic portrayal of one of the country’s most influential historical figures.
With a strong opening weekend, a high-profile endorsement from Chris Pratt, and plans for a sequel already underway, Young Washington has given Angel Studios another notable theatrical success as the company continues expanding its slate of historical and faith-oriented films.