After Young Washington posted an impressive opening weekend, Angel Studios confirmed that a sequel is already moving forward.
William Franklyn-Miller in Young Washington – Angel, YouTube
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Director and co-writer Jon Erwin announced that a follow-up titled 1776 is officially in development. The announcement comes after Young Washington opened to more than $19 million domestically, outperforming early projections. The historical drama also delivered the second-biggest live-action opening in Angel Studios history, trailing only Sound of Freedom.
Angel Studios Announces 1776
Erwin revealed the Young Washington sequel in a video filmed at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The filmmaker explained that the screenplay is only in its early stages, but confirmed that the story will shift to Washington’s role during the Revolutionary War.
While no release date, casting announcements, or production schedule have been revealed, Erwin described the film as even more ambitious than its predecessor.
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“It’s epic in every way,” Erwin said. “It’s another incredible chapter in this man’s life and legacy.”
Chris Pratt Endorses Young Washington
Young Washington stars William Franklyn-Miller as the future first president alongside Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Kelsey Grammer, Mary-Louise Parker, and Joel Smallbone. The film focuses on Washington’s formative years before the Revolutionary War, portraying the experiences that shaped him into one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
William Franklyn-Miller in Young Washington – Angel, YouTube
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The film follows Washington as a young surveyor and soldier whose experiences on the American frontier begin forging the leadership qualities that would later define his presidency. Rather than focusing on the Revolutionary War, the story explores the lesser-known events that helped shape one of the most influential figures in American history.
Surprisingly, the patriotic drama holds a barely fresh 60% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Over on the user-driven review site Criticless, Young Washington has earned an 80% “Most Excellent” rating.
Marvel star Chris Pratt also enthusiastically praised the film in a video posted to his Instagram account.
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Pratt encouraged his followers to “run to the movie theater” to see Young Washington, comparing it to The Revenant, Pride and Prejudice, and Braveheart. He also singled out Franklyn-Miller’s performance.
“Mark my words,” Pratt said, “soon everyone is going to know his name.”
A Franchise Could Be Taking Shape
The timing of the Young Washington sequel announcement is notable. Following the disastrous reception to this year’s Animal Farm, which many viewers felt was at odds with the company’s brand, Angel Studios had reason to reassure its core audience. The early box office results suggest that, while Animal Farm has not been forgotten, many moviegoers were willing to give the studio another chance.
A clip from Andy Serkis’s Animal Farm – YouTube, JoBlo Animated Videos
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Rather than waiting to see how Young Washington performs over the coming weeks, Angel Studios is already building on its momentum. The decision suggests the studio views George Washington’s life as a multi-film story rather than a standalone historical drama.
Whether 1776 becomes the second chapter in a larger franchise remains to be seen. Several of the Founding Fathers led remarkable lives that have rarely been explored on the big screen, creating the possibility for a broader series centered on the American Revolution.
For now, Angel Studios has made one thing clear: it believes Young Washington is more than a one-film success, and the studio is already preparing to continue George Washington’s story on the big screen.
Are you interested in a Young Washington sequel? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
