‘Young Washington’ sequel ‘1776’ confirmed as patriotic film surprises Hollywood
The patriotic movie of the year already has a sequel in the works.
Young Washington director Jon Erwin said on his company’s social media account over the weekend that his team had begun…
The patriotic movie of the year already has a sequel in the works.
Young Washington director Jon Erwin said on his company’s social media account over the weekend that his team had begun work on a sequel, titled 1776, that will continue the story of America’s first president and offer moviegoers “another incredible chapter in this man’s life and legacy.”
It will be, he pledged, “another Revolutionary War epic.”
Young Washington shocked box office observers over the Fourth of July weekend, far outperforming projections with an estimated $20.8 million debut and more than doubling the $9.6 million earned by DC’s Supergirl, despite expectations that the two films would battle for third place. Instead, Young Washington easily finished third overall, trailing only Minions & Monsters ($36.4 million) and Toy Story 5 ($31 million).
Most box office forecasters projected Young Washington to open with a gross in the low to mid teens.
The PG-13 movie follows George Washington in his 20s as he battles the colonial British class system and develops the courage and character that will one day make him the nation’s first president. The Angel/Wonder Project production is believed to be the first modern theatrical film devoted to Washington, whose most notable portrayals in the modern movie age debuted on television.
“I am grateful to the audience for seeing the film, for shocking the industry once again, for results that far exceed our wildest hopes and dreams and expectations,” Erwin said in a video Monday posted to his Instagram channel.
Erwin is best known as the creator of Wonder Project’s streaming series House of David and as a filmmaker behind such theatrical hits as I Can Only Imagine and Jesus Revolution. He described the launch of Young Washington as the “best weekend of my entire career,” adding it was the No. 1 movie in 28 states.
America, Erwin said, is worth celebrating.
“The more I read, the more I studied … the more I was just filled with a sense of awe and wonder and gratitude and stewardship and pride that this country exists at all – imperfect as it is,” he said of his desire to make the film. “It is so worth celebrating together as co-owners and co-authors – as citizens.”
Meanwhile, actor Chris Pratt – who was not involved with the film – also praised it in a weekend Instagram video. He described it as “Braveheart for Americans.”
“It’s so good,” an enthusiastic Pratt said in the video. “… The story is freaking so cool. The acting is incredible. … Go see it. Man, celebrate America’s 250th birthday the right way – get out to the theater and see Young Washington.”
Young Washington stars William Franklyn-Miller in the lead role alongside Kelsey Grammer, Ben Kingsley, Mary-Louise Parker, Mia Rodgers and Joel Smallbone.
