‘Young Washington’ Drops on Streaming: See the Legend Before the Glory
Young Washington: The Movie About America’s First President Before He Was Famous
Hey there! Ever wonder what George Washington was like before he became the face on the dollar bill? This movie tells that story—and it’s coming to a screen near you very soon!
What Is "Young Washington"?
Young Washington is a new biopic—that’s a fancy word for "a movie based on a real person’s life"—about George Washington’s early years. It shows how a young man’s single mistake pulled him into a massive global war and set him on the path to becoming America’s first president.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Studios | Angel Studios & Wonder Project |
| Director | Jon Erwin (House of David) |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Lead Actor | William Franklyn-Miller as Young George Washington |
Meet the All-Star Cast
The movie brings together some seriously famous faces:
- William Franklyn-Miller → George Washington (our young hero)
- Kelsey Grammer → Lord Fairfax (a wealthy British mentor)
- Ben Kingsley → Robert Dinwiddie (the British governor of Virginia)
- Andy Serkis → General Braddock (a tough British commander)
- Mary-Louise Parker → Mary Washington (George’s mom)
Fun Fact: Andy Serkis is the guy who played Gollum in Lord of the Rings and Caesar in Planet of the Apes!
How Did It Do at the Box Office?
Let’s break down the numbers in simple terms:
The Good News
- Opening Weekend (July 3–5): $19.3 million
- That’s the 2nd biggest opening ever for Angel Studios!
- Only Sound of Freedom (2023) did better with $19.6M
The Full Picture
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Domestic Total (US/Canada) | $46.8 million |
| International Total | ~$15,300 (very small) |
| Production Budget | $20 million (before ads/marketing) |
What this means: The movie made back its production cost in the US alone—but studios usually need to earn 2–3x the budget to be truly profitable after marketing costs.
Critics vs. Audiences: Who Liked It More?
This is where it gets interesting!
| Group | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Critics (Rotten Tomatoes) | 59% "Rotten" | Mixed reviews |
| Regular Moviegoers (Verified Audience) | 92% "Fresh" | Loved it! |
Translation: Critics were "meh," but real people who bought tickets gave it a huge thumbs up (based on 1,000+ verified ratings).
Big News: A Sequel Is Coming!
Director Jon Erwin didn’t wait to announce what’s next. In a July 4th Instagram post from Mount Vernon (Washington’s historic home), he revealed:
"Yes, we are working on another one right now. We’ve begun writing another Revolutionary War epic on 1776… It’s epic in every way."
What We Know About 1776:
- It’s a direct follow-up to Young Washington
- Focuses on 1776—the year of the Declaration of Independence
- Called a "Revolutionary War epic"—think bigger battles, higher stakes
- Writing has already begun
How & Where to Watch
Option 1: Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) — Starts Tuesday, Aug 11
| Platform | Purchase Price | Rental Price (48 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video | $24.99 | ~$19.99 |
| Apple TV | $24.99 | ~$19.99 |
| Fandango at Home | $24.99 | ~$19.99 |
| YouTube Movies & TV | $24.99 | ~$19.99 |
Pro Tip: Renting saves you ~$5 if you only plan to watch once!
Option 2: In Theaters
- Still playing in 275 theaters nationwide
- Check your local listings for showtimes
Why This Movie Matters
- Shows Washington as human — Not a marble statue, but a young man making mistakes
- Explains the French & Indian War — The "global conflict" that shaped early America
- Faith-based studio, broad appeal — Angel Studios makes content with values but for everyone
- Audience-powered success — High viewer scores prove word-of-mouth matters
Quick Summary
| Key Takeaways | |
|---|---|
| Young Washington stars William Franklyn-Miller as a young George Washington | |
| Directed by Jon Erwin with an A-list supporting cast (Grammer, Kingsley, Serkis, Parker) | |
| Made $46.8M domestic on a $20M budget—strong opening, modest international | |
| **Critics: 59% | Audiences: 92%** — huge gap! |
| Sequel 1776 confirmed — Revolutionary War epic already in writing | |
| Streaming PVOD starts Aug 11 — $24.99 to buy, ~$19.99 to rent | |
| Still in 275 theaters if you prefer the big screen |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to know history to enjoy this movie?
Not at all! The film is designed as an exciting adventure story first. You’ll learn history along the way, but it’s not a homework assignment.
2. Is it appropriate for kids?
It’s rated PG-13 for war violence and some intense scenes. Think National Treasure or Pirates of the Caribbean level—okay for most teens, maybe intense for younger kids.
3. How long until it’s on regular streaming (Netflix/Disney+/etc.)?
PVOD usually lasts 2–3 months before moving to subscription services. No official date yet for standard streaming.
4. Is this connected to other George Washington movies/shows?
Nope! This is a standalone new take from Angel Studios. It’s not a sequel to any previous Washington film.
5. Why is the international box office so low ($15K)?
Faith-based and American-history films often struggle overseas. Angel Studios focuses primarily on US audiences, and Young Washington had limited international marketing.
Final Thought: Whether you’re a history buff or just like a good underdog story, Young Washington offers a fresh look at an icon—and with 1776 on the way, this is just the beginning of the journey.
Happy watching!