Full Breakdown
Young Washington Box Office Surge Leads to ‘1776’ Sequel
7/6/2026, 11:59:28 AM
Box Office
Young Washington opened July 3, 2026, earning $20.8 million and $7.6 million on opening day, beating a $15 million forecast and ranking No. 2 behind *Minions & Monsters*.
Studio Strategy
Angel Studios, a faith-based media company, posted a $19.6 million opening for 2023's *Sound of Freedom*. It timed *Young Washington* for the U.S. 250th-anniversary, targeting middle-America markets often missed by major distributors. The film became Angel Studios' best live-action debut, second only to the animated *David*.
Audience Data
67 % of weekend revenue came from the Mountain, Midwest, South-central and Southern regions; 47 % of ticket buyers were over 55. It earned an A CinemaScore and an 81 % recommend rating from PostTrak. Rotten Tomatoes lists a 94 % audience rating (source 3) and a 58 % critic rating; other outlets list 92 % audience and 59 % critic scores.
Critical vs. Audience Scores
Critics gave mixed reviews; Rotten Tomatoes critic scores range from 58 % to 59 %. Audience scores consistently exceed 90 %, echoing patterns from Angel Studios' *Sound of Freedom* (57 % critic, 99 % audience) and *Citizen Vigilante* (7 % critic, 94 % audience).
Official Statements
Brandon Purdie, EVP of theatrical at Angel Studios, called the weekend “incredibly meaningful” and praised storytelling and partners Wonder Project and 2521 Entertainment. Director Jon Erwin described the film as a celebration of “the American experiment” and said it could launch a series of historical dramas. Chris Pratt urged viewers to see the movie, comparing it to acclaimed titles.
Quotes
- “Get off your ass and run to the movie theater, I’ve just seen *Young Washington*… it’s like *The Revenant*, it’s like *Pride and Prejudice*, it’s like *Braveheart*…” — Chris Pratt, Actor
- “Seeing audiences across the country embrace *Young Washington* during our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration has been incredibly meaningful. This milestone is a testament to the power of great storytelling and to our outstanding partners at Wonder Project and 2521 Entertainment, who helped bring this remarkable film to life.” — Brandon Purdie, EVP of Theatrical, Angel Studios
- “The American experiment is one of the greatest origin stories in history, and George Washington’s journey through failure, perseverance, and sacrifice forged the leader who would help shape a nation.” — Jon Erwin, Director & CCO, Wonder Project
- “If you think Washington is big, wait for *1776*; it’s epic in every way.” — Jon Erwin
Gaps
Sources list different Rotten Tomatoes numbers: one cites a 58 % critic score and 94 % audience rating; another cites 59 % critic and 92 % audience. No release date or budget disclosed for the sequel *1776*.
Next
Jon Erwin announced on Instagram from Mount Vernon that writing has begun on *1776*, a Revolutionary-War epic set in 1776. The sequel aims to broaden battle sequences and extend Angel Studios’ focus on American history. Production dates remain unannounced.
