Angel (NYSE: ANGX), a media and technology company successfully pioneering a first-of-its-kind audience-driven studio model, today announced that Young Washington claimed the #2 spot at the U.S. box office on July 4th, surpassing industry expectations and marking another major theatrical milestone for the studio. The film delivered Angel's largest-ever three-day opening weekend for a live-action release and ranks as the studio's second-biggest opening weekend, behind David.
Following Young Washington’s breakout holiday weekend, which included sold-out theaters across America, 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. We're grateful to exhibitors nationwide, to every Angel Guild member, and to every moviegoer who chose to experience Young Washington together in theaters this holiday weekend."
Released during the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, Young Washington has captivated audiences across the country, turning the story of America's first president into one of the holiday weekend's biggest theatrical events.
Directed by Jon Erwin, Young Washington stars Golden Globe winners Kelsey Grammer and Mary-Louise Parker, Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley, and William Franklyn-Miller as a young George Washington, chronicling the experiences that shaped one of history's most influential leaders before the American Revolution.
For director Jon Erwin, the film's opening weekend reflects the enduring power of America's founding story and the opportunity to share it with audiences during a landmark moment in the nation's history.
"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," said Jon Erwin, director of Young Washington and Chief Creative Officer of Wonder Project. "To share that journey with audiences alongside Angel as our nation marks its 250th anniversary has been one of the greatest honors of my career. My hope is that this is the beginning of many extraordinary American stories told through film and television."
Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO of Wonder Project also added that, “There's a reason this film found its audience on this particular weekend. Young Washington gave families a story to gather around at exactly the moment our country paused to reflect on its own beginning."
Young Washington marks the first collaboration between Angel, Wonder Project, 2521 Entertainment, and 10 Ton Productions, bringing together partners committed to telling inspiring stories for audiences around the world.
Jon Walter, co-founder of 2521 Entertainment, emphasized the importance of experiencing stories like Young Washington together in theaters.
"We're excited to see audiences embracing the theater experience as a unique opportunity to share powerful stories in community with family, friends, and complete strangers. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we hope Young Washington gives audiences another opportunity to come together in celebrating the courage, sacrifice, and hope that marked the birth of our nation."
Executive producer and 10 Ton Productions co-founder Benton Crane reflected on the film's reception and thanked audiences for making the opening weekend a success.
"We're honored that Young Washington has been able to contribute to such a memorable Fourth of July weekend at the box office. We're grateful for the warm reception and proud to be part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. Thank you to our partners, cast, and crew—and most of all, to everyone who came out to support the film. We couldn't have done it without you."
The success of Young Washington continues Angels' theatrical momentum and underscores the growing audience appetite for inspiring, event-driven films that bring people together in theaters.
About Young Washington
Before he was the Father of a Nation, he was a soldier fighting to survive. A single misstep thrusts young George Washington into the center of a global conflict, testing his honor, loyalty, and courage. As alliances crumble and the frontier erupts into war, he must confront not only his enemies, but the man he is becoming. This is the untold story of Young Washington.