Julia Roberts’ $315 million hit now has a sequel after 7 years with Helen Mirren

In 2017, Julia Roberts starred in the box office hit, WonderAnd now the coming-of-age movie is getting an unexpected sequel starring Helen Mirren. Based on a book by RJ Palacio, Wonder Tells the story of Auggie, a young boy with a facial deformity who enters a new fifth grade class at his local public school. Auggie’s peers must come to terms with his differences And become compassionate, seeing the bright young boy he really is. The movie not only earned an impressive $315 million at the box office, but it also has a certified fresh 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Because it has been seven years since the initial release of the movie, Wonder has been a bit under the radar in recent years. As mentioned above, the movie was incredibly successful, but has been a little ignored in favor of other heartwarming children’s movies. Notably, the star-studded cast has moved on to other big projects. for example, Wonder was a massive step forward for young actor Jacob Tremblay, but these days he’s earned even bigger roles in movies like The Little Mermaid And The life of Chuck. however, Wonder will soon return to the public eye with the release of its sequel.

Helen Mirren’s White Bird is a prequel and sequel to Julia Roberts’ Wonder

What white bird is about

In October 2024, a new movie called White Bird will be released in theaters. White Bird is both a prequel and a sequel to 2017’s Wonder, as it has dual timelines that take place after the events of Wonder And long before the coming of age story. There goes Julian, one of Auggie’s bullies-turned-friends from the original movie, and his grandmother, who comes to visit from Paris. Like its predecessor, White Bird is based on a graphic novel written by RJ Palacio. The movie stars Helen Mirren, Gillian Anderson, Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt and Bryce Ghisar.

in white bird, Julian is visited by his grandmother, Sara. After telling Sara about his experience with Auggie, Sara delves into her own story of acceptance. During World War II, Sara was a young Jewish girl who lived in Nazi-occupied France. In order not to be captured by the Germans, Sara is taken in by a young man named Julien, who suffers from poliomyelitis. In the face of a surmountable danger, the two teenagers learn to accept one another, despite their differences. Sara’s story is much darker than that of wonder, But it is still inextricably linked by its themes of acceptance and friendship.

Which wonder cast members return for White Bird

Why White Bird has a mostly new cast

Although White Bird is a new installment in the Wonder franchise, only one actor from the 2017 movie returned for the sequel. Bryce Gheisar, who portrayed Julian in wonder, will repeat his role in White Bird. Otherwise, the 2024 film includes an entirely new cast of characters, mainly led by Helen Mirren, who plays the older version of Sara. The main reason why White Bird’s Casting is completely different from wonder s is because of the dual timelines of the movie. With most of the movie set in 1942, the original cast of Wonder is not as important.

Not similar Wonder, white bird Only two prominent actors in its cast. Wow Wonder Boasting names such as Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Mandy Patinkin, and David Diggs, White Bird Only Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson. however, White Bird’s Director is just as accomplished. Wonder was directed by Stephen Chbosky, who previously worked on projects like The perks of being a wallflower And Beauty and the Beast. Meanwhile, White Bird is directed by Mark ForsterWhat helmet movies like Find Neverland And A man called Otto. in this way, White Bird is less star-studded, but has a solid foundation.

Will White Bird be as successful as Wonder?

White Bird may have a harder time than Wonder

Although White Bird is a sequel to wonder, It seems unlikely that it will reach the same heights of success as its predecessor. Wonder had some big names attached, which definitely helped bring in more audiences. Moreover, Palacio’s book was quite popular before the release of the movie. unfortunately, White Bird Does not have the same benefits. His book is not nearly as well known Wonder, And based on its trailer, it’s not that obvious that it’s a sequel to Wonder. In this way, it cannot benefit from its franchise.

however, White Bird Also has a lot of positives for him. It seems like it will be a sweet but heartbreaking story that is good for a variety of audience members. His historical ties may also increase interest. Of course, Helen Mirren is also a massive star, and that will likely pique the interest of viewers as well. so, White Bird Could be an unexpected success, just like that Wonder was seven years ago.