The upcoming Hollywood film A Great Awakening is a historical drama that brings an important yet lesser-known chapter of American history to the big screen. Directed by Joshua Enck, the film focuses on faith, friendship, and the events that shaped early American society before independence.

Release Date
A Great Awakening is officially scheduled for a theatrical release on 3 April 2026 in the United States.
The release date has been strategically chosen to align with the 250th anniversary of the United States, adding historical relevance to the film’s theme.
The film will be distributed by Roadside Attractions, ensuring a nationwide release.
Cast Names
The film features a focused and performance-driven cast, including:
- John Paul Sneed as Benjamin Franklin
- Jonathan Blair as George Whitefield
- Josh Bates as Alexander Hamilton
- Stephen Foster Harris as William Blount
- Zac Johnson as Caleb Strong
- Matt Meyer as Robert Yates
Unlike big commercial films, A Great Awakening relies more on character depth and historical accuracy rather than star power.
Story (Plot)
The story of A Great Awakening is rooted in real historical events and revolves around the Great Awakening, a major religious movement in early American history.
At the center of the film is the unlikely friendship between two influential figures—George Whitefield, a passionate preacher, and Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers.
The narrative explores how Whitefield’s preaching sparked a spiritual revival across the American colonies, inspiring people and uniting communities during a time of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Franklin, known for his rational thinking, becomes closely connected to Whitefield and plays a key role in spreading his message.
As the story unfolds, the film highlights how this movement influenced ideas of freedom, belief, and unity—long before the American Revolution. It shows that change didn’t just come through politics, but also through faith and personal transformation.
In simple terms, it’s a story about how a spiritual awakening helped shape the mindset of a nation.
Director, Makers & Technical Team
- Director: Joshua Enck
- Writers: Joshua Enck, Jeff Bender, Jonathan Blair
- Producers: Steve Buckwalter, Troy Thorne
- Cinematography: Steve Buckwalter
- Editing: Jordan K. Graff
- Production: Sight & Sound Films
This is the second feature film from Sight & Sound Films, known for creating historically and spiritually themed productions.
Total Budget
The official budget of A Great Awakening has not been publicly disclosed.
However, reports indicate that the production received $2.6 million in tax credits and contributed significantly to the local economy during filming.
Based on its scale and production style, the film is expected to fall under a moderate budget category, focusing more on storytelling and historical accuracy rather than large-scale visual effects.
Final Thoughts
A Great Awakening is not a typical commercial film. It tells a meaningful story rooted in history, faith, and personal transformation. By focusing on real figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield, the film offers a deeper look into how ideas and beliefs helped shape a nation.
With its historical setting, thoughtful narrative, and strong performances, the film is likely to appeal to audiences interested in history and inspirational stories.
In simple terms, A Great Awakening is a story about faith, friendship, and the power of ideas that changed the course of history.
