Original Coverage & Source Attribution: churchleaders.com
Following a successful theatrical run that generated more than $47 million worldwide, “Young Washington” is now available to stream on Wonder Project’s subscription service through Prime Video.
ChurchLeaders recently spoke with the film’s writer, Diederik Hoogstraten, about the movie’s box office success, its historical accuracy, George Washington’s faith, and the possibility of a sequel.
Directed by Jon Erwin, “Young Washington” stars William Franklyn-Miller as a young George Washington, Kelsey Grammer as Lord Fairfax, Mary-Louise Parker as Mary Washington, and Ben Kingsley as Robert Dinwiddie.
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The film, which explores Washington’s early military experiences before the American Revolution, ranked No. 2 at the domestic box office on July 4, during America’s 250th anniversary celebration. According to Box Office Mojo, the film earned $47,075,084 domestically and $47,149,451 worldwide.
‘Young Washington’ Writer Responds to Film’s Success
Hoogstraten told ChurchLeaders that although there was excitement surrounding the film before its release, he wasn’t sure how audiences would respond.
“Ultimately, all you can do is pray and wait,” he said.
Hoogstraten recalled attending a screening with his children in Utah, where he learned that the weekend’s showings had sold out.
He said fathers particularly appreciated having a film they could watch with their sons.
“A hero’s journey about a hero worth celebrating,” Hoogstraten said.
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Discussing the film’s historical accuracy, Hoogstraten said, “I would say that the big sort of signposts of the movie are all true, are all historically accurate, and so are all the characters that that you see.”
He explained that filmmakers took creative liberties with certain dialogue and scenes while remaining faithful to the major historical events.
Hoogstraten also discussed Washington’s Christian faith, explaining how the film highlights God’s providence through conversations with Washington’s mother and a Native American warrior.
