EXCLUSIVE: William Franklyn-Miller Shares the Challenges of Bringing George Washington to Life
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Reel Perspectives
July 9, 2026
Before George Washington became the face of a nation, he was simply a young man trying to prove himself in a world defined by war, impossible choices, and unwavering determination. That's the story at the heart of Young Washington, and it's one that rising star William Franklyn-Miller couldn't wait to tell.
Young Washington opened in theaters on July 24, bringing an untold chapter of George Washington's life to the big screen with breathtaking action and a breakout performance from William Franklyn-Miller.
Reel Perspectives recently caught up with the actor to discuss stepping into one of history's most recognizable roles and the challenges of bringing America's first president to life. Everyone knows who Washington became, but very few people know the experiences that shaped him into that leader. That's exactly what makes Young Washington stand apart. Rather than revisiting familiar moments in history, the film explores Washington's formative years during the French and Indian War, when every decision helped define the character of the future Commander-in-Chief.
The actor immersed himself in Washington's early life, studying his leadership style and ambitions, to create a performance that feels genuine in his first lead film. When asked whether there were any aspects he found challenging about playing such an iconic figure in American history, the actor admitted it was indeed challenging. "Coming from a Brit, it was difficult to make sure I honored him in a sense, because I think this is one of the first films where you really bring the human nature to George, and I think that was a struggle for me," the actor shared.
That emotional honesty is Young Washington's greatest strength. While the film delivers exciting battle sequences and stunning period visuals, it's the personal journey that leaves the greatest impact. "I think the whole story really is him navigating his path and where he belongs in life and what he's adamant about and what he wants to fight for," Franklyn-Miller continued. "And I think at the end, it's really just his foot in the door by the end of the film, if I'm gonna be honest, with his whole story... he's a little bit more confident, and I think he's well on his path now".
That timeless quality is evident throughout the film. At its core, Young Washington is more than a historical drama, it's an inspiring coming of age story about courage, resilience, and discovering the leader within yourself.
With Young Washington, Franklyn-Miller delivers one of his most compelling performances to date, bringing heart, vulnerability, and determination to a figure often remembered only through portraits and history books. Instead of portraying an untouchable icon, he gives audiences someone they can relate to, a young man finding his purpose one difficult decision at a time.
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