Young Washington emerged as a surprise box office performer over the Fourth of July weekend, pulling in $20.8 million domestically and finishing in third place overall. The historical drama trailed Minions & Monsters in first and Toy Story 5 in second, while Supergirl dropped to fourth after a weak debut the previous week. On Independence Day itself, Young Washington climbed to second place, showing strong holiday appeal.

Set in the 1750s, the film follows a young George Washington, played by William Franklyn-Miller, during the French and Indian War. The story centers on his early military experience before becoming the nation’s first president. According to Deadline, the film posted the biggest opening weekend for Angel Studios outside of the animated feature David, which earned $22 million in December 2025. It also outperformed the studio’s 2023 hit Sound of Freedom during its debut frame.

The film found its strongest support in the Mountain, Midwest, Southcentral, and Southern regions, which together made up 67% of ticket sales. The top-performing theater was Megaplex Lehi at Thanksgiving Point in Utah, highlighting strong turnout in the interior of the country compared to coastal markets.

Audience data shows that 47% of ticket buyers were over the age of 55, a group that does not always drive theatrical releases. The turnout suggests that films centered on American history can still bring older audiences back to theaters, especially when timed around national holidays.

Reviews for Young Washington were mixed among critics, landing at 60% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience scores told a different story, reaching 92% and signaling strong word of mouth. The film’s patriotic subject and release timing likely played a role in that gap.

Director Jon Erwin is already looking ahead. In a video filmed at Mount Vernon, Washington’s historic home, Erwin confirmed that a follow-up titled 1776 is now in development. The next film will focus on Washington during the Revolutionary War. “And if you think Washington’s big, wait for 1776. It’s epic in every way. It’s another incredible chapter in this man’s life and legacy,” Erwin said. “I hope you’re ready for 1776. We’re writing it right now.”

Erwin also said he hopes the project opens the door for more stories about American history on screen. “My hope is that this is the beginning of many extraordinary American stories told through film and television,” he said.

The cast of Young Washington includes Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Kelsey Grammer, and Mary-Louise Parker. Franklyn-Miller, who is English, joins a long line of British actors who have portrayed American leaders, following Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln.

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