Chris Pratt went full hype-mode on Instagram this July 4 weekend, and the target was “Young, Washington,” Jon Erwin’s new George Washington biopic. Pratt didn’t just recommend the film. He compared it to Braveheart. For Americans.
That’s Avengers-level praise right there.
Pratt knows a blockbuster. He’s carried two major franchises, Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, through multiple sequels. His opinion on what hits doesn’t come with asterisks.
Pratt’s post hit on America’s 250th birthday weekend, one of the biggest moviegoing holidays of the year. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. “Young, Washington” opened exactly when it needed to. The whole country was in a patriotic mood, looking for something to do between barbecues and fireworks.
America’s semiquincentennial is a big deal. Films timed to major national milestones don’t come around often. A George Washington origin story on the country’s 250th birthday is a massive concept. It could land as a genuine cultural event, or disappear quietly in the holiday rush.
His exact words on Instagram: “I was actually blown away. The movie is incredible. Like Braveheart for Americans.” He didn’t hedge. He didn’t offer a lukewarm “go check it out if you have time.” He went full con-panel energy on it.
The director, Jon Erwin, got a direct shoutout. “Jon Erwin crushed it,” Pratt wrote. Erwin is known for faith-based and patriotic films. “Young, Washington” fits right in that lane. Getting Chris Pratt‘s stamp of approval on a major holiday is the kind of exposure money can’t always buy.
But the real star-making moment in Pratt’s post was aimed at William Franklin Miller. Miller plays young George Washington in the film. Pratt was unambiguous: a future star. “William Franklin Miller did a great job as young Washington. Remember the name! A star is born!” Those are the words of someone whose Spidey senses are tingling. Peter Quill just told you to remember a name. Write it down.
Playing a young George Washington is no small task. Washington is one of the most iconic figures in American history. Putting a fresh face in that role during America’s 250th birthday is a massive gamble. It can make a career or end one quietly. From Pratt’s reaction, it sounds like Miller delivered.
“Young, Washington” is up against a packed July 4 weekend at the box office. Competition is stiff during this holiday stretch. But Pratt’s endorsement brings it something most films don’t get – a genuine, no-PR-spin co-sign from one of Hollywood’s most recognizable names. Star-Lord vouching for you is not nothing.
Pratt closed out his post with pure celebration: “The movie is awesome! Way to go!!” No measured praise. Pratt spent a decade in the MCU making fandoms feel like family, and this post has that same energy. Pure fan mode, aimed at a movie about America’s founding father.
“Young, Washington” is still writing its box office story. But with Chris Pratt’s Avengers-level enthusiasm behind it, William Franklin Miller’s name is already ringing in a few more ears than it was before the Fourth.
