EXCLUSIVE: Deadline has an exclusive new trailer and poster for Lionsgate and Participant’s family drama, White Bird, the spin-off prequel to the studio’s 2017 box office smash Wonder, which is set to open in select theaters on August 18th before expanding nationwide on the 25th.
The Stephen Chbosky-directed Wonder — which has grossed over $315M globally between its original unveiling and two re-releases, against a budget of around $20M — adapted R.J. Palacio’s New York Times bestselling 2012 novel of the same name. The film, which landed an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling, tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), a boy with facial differences entering the fifth grade, who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
The new film helmed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Christopher Robin), based on Palacio’s same-name 2019 follow-up, has Bryce Gheisar reprise his role as Julian, who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage — during her youth in Nazi-occupied France, a boy shelters her from mortal danger. They find first love in a stunning, magical world of their own creation, while the boy’s mother (Gillian Anderson) risks everything to keep her safe.
Lionsgate’s latest, coming out at a time when family films are in short supply, was adapted for the screen by Mark Bomback, with Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt rounding out the cast. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman produced alongside Palacio.
“Sometimes life brings us the rare and beautiful possibility to inspire and uplift the human spirit through the act of storytelling and it is my heartfelt hope that this film will do just that. White Bird is a story about the power of kindness and its ability to grow exponentially once set free. This film holds a deeply personal place in my heart,” pic’s director Forster told Deadline. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this creative journey. The collaborative effort of every individual involved starting with R.J. Palacio, to the brilliant scriptwriter and dedicated actors, this experience has been truly awe-inspiring.”
“Being involved in this film has been a highlight of my career,” added Hidden Pictures’ Lieberman. “Themes of kindness over hate and light in the face of darkness are as relevant and vital today as they’ve ever been.”
View the trailer and poster for White Bird above.
