Tribeca Film Festival 2026: William Franklyn-Miller Discusses the Untold Story of ‘Young Washington’

For generations, George Washington has existed more as an icon than a man. In Young Washington, William Franklyn-Miller strips away that familiar image to reveal the uncertainty, ambition, and resilience that shaped America’s first president long before history immortalized him. Delivering a commanding performance filled with remarkable nuance, William captures a young man still searching for his place in the world while carrying the weight of the leader he would one day become.

Before he was the Father of a Nation, Washington was a soldier fighting to survive. After a single misstep thrusts him into the center of a global conflict, he must navigate a world where loyalty is tested, alliances fracture, and danger waits around every corner. As war engulfs the frontier, the future president is forced to confront not only the enemies before him but the man he is destined to become, telling the untold story of one of history’s most recognizable figures.

Pop Culturalist had the opportunity to speak with William Franklyn-Miller about stepping into the shoes of one of history’s most iconic figures, the challenge of balancing Washington’s humanity with his legacy, the mentors who shaped his own career, and why embracing failure has become one of the most valuable lessons of his journey as an actor.

PC: What’s so compelling about this film is that we’re witnessing the birth of Washington’s ambition, but also the vulnerability and uncertainty that come with it, which helps humanize a figure who is often viewed through a particular lens in history. Was that complexity what initially drew you to the role? How did you find your way into portraying your version of Washington?
William: It was tricky because there’s so much out there about George. He’s this incredible figure that I’ve grown up knowing about. But the interesting thing about this script is that it explores his younger years, which people know very little about. We know George as the first president. He’s on the dollar bill. When we think of him, it’s often as this older figure, but in reality, he was young just like us. That’s what drew me to this character and the script. It was the opportunity to see him in those younger years and understand what led to his ambition and ultimately shaped him into the man we all know. It was really cool to learn about that.

PC: There are so many nuances you brought to your portrayal. Mentorship plays such an important role in Washington’s journey. Throughout the film, we see the people around him who help shape the leader he eventually becomes. Looking back on your own path, who were the mentors who shaped the artist you are today? What lessons from them have stayed with you?
William: I’ve got to say my mother. She’s been a massive mentor throughout my life, always helping me strive for success and believing in me. George had quite a similar relationship with his mother, although she was very, very tough on him during his younger years. It really shaped his resilience and determination to pursue what he believed in, even when his mother didn’t always agree with him. In a way, she actually helped him by pushing him to stand by his convictions, which I think is great. I’ve also always looked up to amazing actors like Ryan Gosling and Timothée Chalamet, but my mother has been the biggest mentor in my life.

PC: I love that parallel. One idea that really stayed with me from the film is the notion that if you don’t learn from your failures, you fail twice. But if you do learn from them, you gain wisdom. It feels like such a defining part of Washington’s journey. Looking back on your own career, or even this filming experience, can you think of a challenge or setback that ultimately helped shape the path forward?
William: Oh mate. As an actor, you go through so many setbacks. I’ve done hundreds and hundreds of auditions and missed out on so many roles. That’s just a regular part of being an actor. But you learn from every single one. You have to be in a good mental headspace when it comes to rejection and use it to build yourself up. I really try to go into the next audition without thinking about the ones I’ve lost and instead focus on that moment, doing the best audition I can and being the best version of myself. I’ve missed out on so many opportunities, but you move on from them. You take the parts you felt you did well and bring those into the next audition.

To keep up with William, follow him on Instagram. Young Washington is out in select theaters now.