While Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is making headlines with its record-breaking opening, another historical epic is quietly carving out its own success story. Young Washington, starring Andy Serkis and William Franklyn-Miller as the young George Washington, has crossed $41 million at the domestic box office, a strong performance for a film that debuted over the Independence Day weekend.
The film, directed by Jon Erwin and produced by Angel Studios, has shown remarkable staying power. In its third weekend, it earned $3.5 million, placing seventh overall, while The Odyssey dominated with $124 million. Despite the competition, Young Washington has outperformed several high-profile 2026 releases, including Chris Hemsworth's Crime 101, Chris Pratt's Mercy, and even fellow Angel Studios title Solo Mio starring Kevin James.
Angel Studios, known for faith-based projects that resonate with dedicated audiences, has struck gold again. The film boasts a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, earning a "Verified Hot" badge, and an A+ CinemaScore from opening-day crowds. This word-of-mouth success mirrors last year's The King of Kings, which also scored a 97% audience rating.
Critics have been more mixed, giving the film a 60% score. The consensus notes that while the storytelling is "muted," the film delivers "earnest conviction, historical reverence, and rousing battle sequences." The cast also includes Mary-Louise Parker, Ben Kingsley, and Kelsey Grammer, adding gravitas to the production.
Given its strong box office performance, a sequel is already in development, tracking the next chapter of Washington's life. This is a rare feat for a historical biopic, especially one that isn't a major franchise entry. For context, even The Mandalorian & Grogu hasn't announced a sequel yet.
The film's success is a testament to the power of targeted marketing and audience engagement. Angel Studios has mastered the art of reaching viewers who crave inspirational, historically grounded stories. As Young Washington continues its run, it's expected to eventually triple its reported budget, thanks to strong holds in its second and third weekends.
For more on box office surprises, check out how a $750K indie horror film overtook 'The Exorcist' at the global box office. And if you're curious about other historical dramas, see the cast of 'Hudson & Maria'.
With a sequel on the horizon and strong audience support, Young Washington proves that even in a blockbuster-heavy year, there's room for a quiet, reverent epic to find its audience.
