YOUNG WASHINGTON Snags No. 2 July 4th Movie Spot, Director Begins Sequel

Published: July 7, 2026

By Michaela Gordoni

YOUNG WASHINGTON was the second most popular movie in America on July 4, and the writer/director Jon Erwin has already begun to write the sequel, 1776.

“Before he was the Father of a Nation, he was a soldier fighting to survive. A single misstep thrusts young George Washington into the center of a global conflict, testing his honor, loyalty, and courage,” YOUNG WASHINGTON’s synopsis reads. “As alliances crumble and the frontier erupts into war, he must confront not only his enemies but the man he’s becoming.”

The studios behind the movie are Wonder Project and Angel Studios.

Erwin revealed that he’s writing the sequel, 1776, in a social media post on July 5. He was encouraged by the audience’s response to YOUNG WASHINGTON.

“We have just begun writing another Revolutionary War epic on the year 1776. If you think WASHINGTON’s big, wait for 1776,” Erwin said. “It’s epic in every way.”

The movie was the second biggest movie at the box office on July 4, behind MINIONS & MONSTERS. It’s scored Angel’s biggest three-day opening weekend ever for a live-action movie and is the studio’s best opening weekend behind DAVID.

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Brandon Purdie, Executive Vice President of Theatrical at Angel, said in a press release, “Seeing audiences across the country embrace Young Washington during our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration has been incredibly meaningful. This milestone is a testament to the power of great storytelling and to our outstanding partners at Wonder Project and 2521 Entertainment, who helped bring this remarkable film to life.”

“We’re grateful to exhibitors nationwide, to every Angel Guild member, and to every moviegoer who chose to experience Young Washington together in theaters this holiday weekend,” he said.

Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, Mary-Louise Parker, Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley and William Franklyn-Miller star in the movie.

Before the release, Erwin told Movieguide® he felt compelled to take George Washington’s story to the big screen.

“Everyone knew the name, not many people knew that story,” he explained. “And so…I wanted to write some sort of a love letter to America for the 250th anniversary, and that’s what this movie became, and I’m very grateful that it’s coming out on our anniversary.”

Part of Movieguide®’s review of the movie reads, “It’s one of the best, most gripping biographical and historical war movies ever made. YOUNG WASHINGTON has a strong moral, patriotic worldview…George learns, during three famous battles depicted by the movie, that there’s more to becoming a true leader of men than just pursuing personal wealth and recognition.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJcYSWn-1V8

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