Mary-Louise Parker, Mia Rodgers, Jonno Davis Join Young Washington
“Young Washington,” the feature biopic of George Washington from Wonder Project and Angel Studios, has started production in Ireland, with a first look of William Franklyn-Miller in the title role revealed
Further cast members have also been announced for the film with Mary-Louise Parker (“The Institute,” “Weeds”), Mia Rodgers (“Sex Lives of College Girls,” “Trauma”) and Jonno Davis (“Better Man,” “Lucca Mortis”) joining the project the cast.
Directed by Jon Irwin (“House of David”), the film follows the early life of America’s first president and is set for nationwide release over Independence Day Weekend 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Principal photography will take place in Ireland and Virginia.
Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential. Davies — recently seen playing Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey in the acclaimed “Better Man” — portrays condescending British officer James Mackay.
The previously announced cast of “Young Washington” includes Sir Ben Kingsley (as Robert Dinwiddie), Andy Serkis (as General Edward Braddock), Joel David Smallbone (as William Fairfax) and Kelsey Grammer (as Lord Fairfax). Rounding out the cast will be Leo Hanna as George’s best friend Christopher Gist; Angus Castle-Doughty and Fearghal Geraghty as the brothers David and Henry Frisk; Nicholas Antoniou as Tucker Bowman; Ryan Begay as Tanacharison, the Half King, John Foss as Lawrence Washington, Michael Benz as Thomas Gage, Martijn Lakemeier as Jacob Van Braam and Clement Toyon as Joseph Coulon de Jumonville.
“George Washington’s early years is a story I’ve wanted to tell for a very long time,” said Erwin, director and founder of Wonder Project. “The trials he faced shaped the man who would lead a nation, and so much of that journey remains largely untold. Bringing this powerful story to life with such an extraordinary cast is a dream come true.”
Erwin will produce the film with Chip Diggins. Wonder Project is joined on the production side by 10 Ton Productions, led by Benton Crane, and 2521 Entertainment, led by Tyler Zacharia. Angel will distribute worldwide. The film was written by Erwin and Tom Provost and Diederik Hoogstraten.
“When we launched pre-sale tickets a year before opening day, thousands were purchased immediately, and sales have continued steadily since,” said Brandon Purdie, head of theatrical distribution and brand development at Angel Studios. “Opening in theaters during the Independence Day holiday and the 250th anniversary of America, the film will bring an untold chapter of our founding to audiences nationwide.”
Parker is represented by CAA. Rodgers is represented by Alex Cambell at United Agents, Stephen Simbari at Anonymous Content and Caroline Fergusson at Pinnacle PR, and Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP. Davis is represented by Denton Brierley, Gersh, ColorCreative and Lucy Popkin.
