Hollywood actor Chris Pratt used Independence Day weekend to throw his support behind Angel Studios’ new film Young Washington, urging Americans to see it in theaters during the Fourth of July holiday.
In a video posted to Instagram, Pratt encouraged moviegoers to consider the film as the country marked its 250th birthday. He said there were plenty of options at the box office, but given the timing of the holiday weekend, Young Washington felt especially fitting.
“Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the box office!!! There’s a lot of great choices this weekend. But considering it’s July 4 weekend I humbly suggest Young Washington,” Pratt wrote.
He made it clear that the movie had exceeded his expectations.
“I was actually blown away. The movie is incredible. Like Braveheart for Americans,” he added.
Pratt also praised director Jon Erwin and singled out William Franklyn-Miller, who plays the young George Washington. He called attention to Franklyn-Miller’s performance and suggested the actor could be one to watch.
“Jon Erwin crushed it. William did a great job as young Washington. Remember the name! A star is born!” Pratt said.
The actor also compared the film’s scope and tone to movies such as The Revenant and Pride and Prejudice, placing Young Washington among serious historical dramas rather than treating it as a simple holiday release.
“The movie is awesome! Way to go!!” Pratt concluded.
Chris Pratt: “GET OFF YOUR A** TO SEE YOUNG WASHINGTON! Go see it! Celebrate America’s 250th birthday the right way!”
Premiering in theaters this weekend!
America is so back!! 🇺🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/5xkcdEPW4c
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 3, 2026
The film appears to have connected strongly with audiences during its opening weekend. According to Box Office Mojo, Young Washington brought in $20.8 million from 2,700 screens, giving Angel Studios a strong theatrical launch despite competing with larger studio releases.
On Saturday, America’s 250th birthday, the film earned $7,650,000 alone. That is a notable number for a historical drama opening during a weekend when many families were busy with cookouts, fireworks, and holiday travel.
Young Washington tells the early story of George Washington, focusing on his military beginnings and the experiences that shaped him during the French and Indian War. Rather than starting with the familiar image of Washington as the older Revolutionary War general and first president, the film looks at the younger man still learning leadership, discipline, and responsibility.
Franklyn-Miller leads the cast, joined by Kelsey Grammer, Ben Kingsley, and Mary-Louise Parker.
Critics have offered mixed reactions, but audience response has been much warmer. One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer said the film worked because it explored a period of Washington’s life that many Americans do not know well.
“I liked seeing the early years of Washington’s life during the French and Indian War. We often just think of the midlife and elder version of Washington. I hope this is the first movie of a trilogy covering his whole life,” the viewer wrote.
That may be exactly where the story is headed. Director, producer, and co-writer Jon Erwin has announced that a follow-up film, titled 1776, is already in pre-production.
