White Bird Movie Review: A Touching Prequel to Wonder

The heartwarming movie Wonder, which was a box office smash, hitting $315 million and receiving an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was a favorite! However, the story continues with the 2024 prequel White Bird and although audiences are in for a treat. There are some big differences that come into play.

A Prequel Story:

White Bird brings some of the cast from Wonder back onto the big screen and although the newer iteration has some fresh faces there are key returning members as well. The main story revolves around a set of distinct moments with the past intertwining with the present! The film itself may not capture the same core group of the characters seen in Wonder because its storyline, that spans over a big difference in eras!

It goes between World War II
And the present!

The major reasons behind these major casting differences were necessary! For example: Auggie won't make an appearance, along with Julia Roberts or Owen Wilson, as this part of the movie showcases a story around a completely new group of people!

Also Read: Is Wonder Based On A True Story? The Inspiration Behind Auggie's Journey

Why The Cast Is Different:

Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson with their children in Wonder Image

For a large part of the story the most prominent figure in the storyline, is Wonder's bully turned-friend. It's Julian who moves to a new school, where he gets to reunite with his grandmother, but he's not a core element in this newest project! What happens with Julian plays a big part but it looks like this movie aims to develop a different, intriguing storyline centered on his grandmother Sara!

The new movie does tell a story about his grandma which goes back in time to the historical setting of World War II and that's in France! It follows this person’s friend. Her grandmother Sara, explains a harrowing story in Nazi-occupied France, showcasing just how people reacted to events and just what was capable during this intense period! What makes it an interesting twist on the prequel? This particular narrative in White Bird brings some new faces to help take us into this new adventure and story.

Helen Mirren
Gillian Anderson
Ariella Glaser
Orlando Schwerdt

While Bryce Gheisar returns to his role as Julian. That really brings everything into a fuller circle. The older Wonder cast has its unique qualities to its production and a distinct era from what the cast of White Bird represents as well.

Also Read: DCU Recasting for Wonder Woman: Future For The Amazonian Hero?

What The Movie Brings Together:

Julia Roberts smiling with tears in her eyes in Wonder 2017 Image

Even though there are plenty of changes between the Wonder and White Bird casting choices! White Bird, has taken interesting and meaningful aspects to make it feel like it has a deep connection. The Wonder storyline continues in White Bird with an understanding about Julian struggles with some remorse over being such a bad bully and how he was able to make amends and grow in Wonder. This particular arc sets the whole movie in motion!

It's interesting as Julian's perspective has grown. We even see Julian viewing Auggie's Instagram!

Despite being a very different story, White Bird also carries forth one really special theme from Wonder - about learning acceptance and inclusion! This plays out in several ways throughout this movie with viewers getting a deeper feel for why people should love, appreciate, and embrace others who don't always share our appearances.

White Bird. a very different, unique and powerful movie, that helps to reiterate this message that may give the newer release its own special character. For fans of Wonder. you may get a feel for a movie, that shows a more powerful reflection about the meaning of "Kindness," as they bring back that unique perspective.

With some fresh, unique additions this 2024 film gives audiences a fresh, powerful look into just how compelling these types of themes can truly be. Even for viewers that might have not had a chance to watch Wonder, yet, White Bird, might just offer you the perfect experience for diving deeply into just how much love and inclusion can matter.

White Bird Movie Review: A Touching Prequel to Wonder

A Prequel Story:

Why The Cast Is Different:

What The Movie Brings Together:

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