Joel Smallbone on the Big Screen

Joel Smallbone set to co-star in George Washington origin film ‘Young Washington’

LF Radio artist, Joel Smallbone, one half of the Grammy winning duo, for KING & COUNTRY and star/co-director of 2024’s Unsung Hero, has joined the cast of Young Washington, a historical drama about the formative years of America’s first president. The film is a collaboration between Angel Studios and The Wonder Project and is slated to open in theaters on July 4, 2026.

Smallbone will portray William Fairfax, a prominent Virginian who influences, and at times rivals, the young George Washington. The ensemble also includes Sir Ben Kingsley as Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie and Andy Serkis as General William Braddock. Rising actor William Franklyn-Miller is set to play Washington.

The feature will be directed by Jon Erwin (Jesus Revolution) and is expected to begin production this summer. According to the producers, the story follows a 22 year old Washington as he confronts early failures during the French and Indian War and learns the leadership that will define his legacy.

News of Smallbone’s casting follows his recent turn leading Unsung Hero, which chronicled the Smallbone family’s migration to the U.S. and was released by Lionsgate in 2024. Industry outlets covering the announcement highlight that Young Washington is being positioned as a centerpiece for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026, with advance ticketing launched unusually early via Angel’s platform.