Angel Studios' 'Young Washington' Hits #2 at Box Office on July 4th
The new Angel Studios film "Young Washington" claimed the #2 spot at the U.S. box office on July 4th. The new movie about George Washington's life and faith during the American Revolution hit theaters, right on time for America's 250th anniversary.
On Saturday, the movie earned $7.6 million, besting Toy Story 5 while coming in behind Minions & Monsters in the top slot.
Angel reports the movie also delivered its largest-ever three-day opening weekend for a live-action release, earning a total of $20.8 million and landing in the #3 slot for the entire holiday weekend.
Brandon Purdie, executive vice president of Theatrical at Angel, said, "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."
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"Young Washington," from Angel Studios and The Wonder Project, showcases the early life and growth of George Washington.
John Harmon, the president of Angel, says Washington's character fundamentally influenced America's founding and left a patriotic legacy for Americans today.
"George Washington helped shape our nation and so many of the American values we hold dear," Harmon said. "I can't imagine a more meaningful way to celebrate America's 250th birthday than by watching this adaptation of such a pivotal period in his young life."
From his boyhood to his life as a soldier and eventually the first U.S. president, the film depicts Washington facing tough decisions, losses, and failures, yet persevering under the weight of leadership.
Jon Erwin, the producer and director who founded The Wonder Project, shared with CBN News what inspired him to produce the film and the lesson he learned from it.
"About ten years ago, I just started reading books on the American Revolution," said Erwin. "Out of that exercise, I just… I was blown away. I love a great hero's journey. I love a great coming-of-age story. I love an adventure. But it was profoundly moving to me that Washington was not forged in success. He was forged in failure and hardship and tough lessons and loss and risk. And yet he endured, and he kept going, and he kept trying and he learned, and he kind of assimilated from some of the difficult things he experienced. And I just thought that that was such a profound lesson like, just keep going."
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Partnering with the U.S. Department of State, Angel Studios and Wonder also showcased Young Washington to U.S. embassies worldwide.
Neal Harmon, co-founder and CEO of Angel, shares that the film is more than a story of leadership and strength, but one of humanity and divine providence.
"As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Young Washington takes us back when the leaders we now admire were still discovering who they would become," said Neal Harmon. "It's a deeply human story about growth, sacrifice, humility, and leadership earned through adversity and preserved by divine providence. We believe audiences around the world will connect with those themes, and we are honored to partner with the U.S. Department of State."
