If you’re planning your 4th of July weekend, you can consider heading to the theater as one of your to-dos before the long weekend is up.
Angel Studios and The Wonder Project bring the origin story of America’s first president to the big screen with Young Washington, an epic historical drama exploring the experiences that shaped George Washington into a legendary leader.
Starring William Franklyn-Miller in the title role alongside Ben Kingsley, Mary-Louise Parker, Andy Serkis, and Kelsey Grammer, the film follows Washington’s formative years during the French and Indian War, blending action, leadership, and personal growth into a sweeping origin story.
Young Washington explores the experiences that transformed a determined young soldier into one of history’s most influential leaders, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the man behind the American legend.
Here’s everything you need to know about the film, from the cast and plot to trailers and where to watch.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Young Washington premieres in theaters and IMAX on July 3, 2026. International releases begin on July 3, 2026
Story and Setting
Young Washington follows the story of the early life of the Founding Father and first president of the United States, George Washington. The film focuses on his experiences and command in the French and Indian War.
Cast and Characters
The cast includes:
- William Franklyn-Miller as George Washington
- Ben Kingsley as Robert Dinwiddie
- Andy Serkis as Edward Braddock
- Joel Smallbone as William Fairfax
- Kelsey Grammer as Thomas Fairfax
- Mary-Louise Parker as Mary Ball Washington
- Mia Rodgers as Sally Fairfax
- Jonno Davies as James Mackay
- John Foss as Lawrence Washington
- Michael Benz as Thomas Gage
- Leo Hanna as Christopher Gist
Creative Team and Production
Young Washington is directed by John Erwin, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Tom Provost and Diederik Hoogstraten.
The film is also a collaborative production between Wonder Project, 10 Ton Productions, and 2521 Entertainment, and will be released in the United States and internationally by Angel Studios.
Trailer and First Look
Take a look at the official trailer:
Photos from Young Washington:
What to Expect:
Since its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film has received mixed reviews. That is to be expected for a historical drama of this caliber in this day and age, as it is being simplified with the intention of entertaining an audience who may not know that much about the history of Washington during this specific time in his life.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast that features familiar faces, which will be a draw for older audiences against an animated feature-heavy weekend. Overall, if you tend to favor historical epics, there’s a good chance you’ll find Young Washington engaging, especially if you’re interested in the lesser-known chapter of Washington’s life before the Revolutionary War.
What are your hopes for Young Washington? Let us know in the comments below!
Tiara Starks
Tiara Starks is an entertainment writer. Her work can be found across multiple FanSided Entertainment and Lifestyle sites, Eulalie Mag, Ease Up Mag, and more. From Vivica A. Fox to Dave Bautista to Zooey Deschanel, over the years, she has interviewed your favorite actors, writers, creators, and directors. Tiara typically covers film, television, theatre, and music with a focus in nostalgia and family entertainment!