Director of 'Young Washington' Discusses Ai's Role in Filmmaking

WHO:

Variety - Jon Erwin is the director of the film "Young Washington."

The Hollywood Reporter - The film features actors William Franklyn-Miller, Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Joel Smallbone, John Foss, and Mia Rodgers.

WHAT:

Variety - "Young Washington" is a historical drama that utilizes AI technology to make production "safer and more affordable."

The Hollywood Reporter - The film depicts George Washington's military adventures during the French and Indian War and is described as a "stodgy historical primer steeped in performative patriotism."

The Hollywood Reporter - The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes and is rated PG-13.

The Hollywood Reporter - The film is set to release nationwide on July 3.

WHERE:

The Hollywood Reporter - "Young Washington" was filmed in Ireland, as there were no suitable locations in America that approximated the Virginia landscapes of the period.

WHEN:

The Hollywood Reporter - The film is set to release nationwide on July 3.

WHY:

The Hollywood Reporter - The film aims to provide an educational experience for middle-school students and is released in conjunction with America's 250th birthday.

HOW:

Variety - The film's production utilized advanced visual effects tools, although the director noted that they are not as effective as the physics of water.

(UPDATED July 3, 2026 01:34 UTC)

The upcoming film "Young Washington," directed by Jon Erwin, features a star-studded cast including Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, and Kelsey Grammer, and it tells the story of George Washington's military adventures during the French and Indian War. This historical drama, which runs for 2 hours and 5 minutes and is rated PG-13, was filmed in Ireland to capture the Virginia landscapes of the period and aims to provide an educational experience for middle-school students, coinciding with America's 250th birthday. "Young Washington" is set to release nationwide on July 3, utilizing advanced AI technology to make production safer and more affordable, although the director mentioned that these tools are not as effective as the physics of water.