‘Young Washington’ success opens door for patriotic films
The success of “Young Washington” has director Jon Erwin planning Washington’s next chapter. He also hopes the film will open the door for other filmmakers to tackle America’s past.
The historical drama earned $20.8 million over the July Fourth weekend, finishing third at the box office, and as of July 22 has hit $42 million. That success is getting attention. Deadline reported that it set a live-action opening record for distributor Angel Studios. A second film, “1776,” is in development.
“Young Washington” catches the future president decades before the White House, during military experiences that tested his judgment and resolve. Released July 3 for America’s 250th anniversary, the PG-13 film stars William Franklyn-Miller as Washington, alongside Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Kelsey Grammer, Joel Smallbone and Mary-Louise Parker.
“The founding of America is incredible,” Erwin told Crosswalk Headlines recently. “So, while I’m taking it one project at a time, the goal with doing ‘Young Washington’ on the 250th anniversary was to allow for America’s story to be told again.”
The turnout gives Erwin something every filmmaker needs: leverage. As Metro Voice recently reported, Andrew Erwin, Jon’s brother and filmmaking partner, said success can quickly change conversations with major studios.
“If you prove that it can make money, they will let you do anything you want,” Andrew Erwin said.
The brothers have seen it happen before. “I Can Only Imagine” earned $86 million, and “Jesus Revolution” grossed more than $54 million worldwide, as reported by Metro Voice.
Jon Erwin believes the appetite extends beyond one picture.
“There’s more films and television shows I want to make on this subject matter,” he said. “I hope that other filmmakers will see the success of ‘Young Washington,’ and there’ll be other films in this category. But yeah, we’ve just begun.”
“1776” would pick up Washington’s life decades later, with the Revolutionary War underway and other founders entering the picture. Washington would remain at the center, Erwin said, but the cast and scope would grow.
He wants the films to reach beyond political lines. Washington’s story belongs to every American, Erwin said, and he hopes audiences can use it to “celebrate the nation together.”
–Alan Goforth
