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

Wonder is not based on a true story technically.

Wonder most certainly might have been based on actual events and real people, but the 2017 coming-of- age family drama features wholly imaginary characters and a virtually completely made-up story. Though it is based on various true events Wonder's author has heard over the years, a real family's story does not influence the storyline. Thus, even if the Julia Roberts film is not entirely based on one single family, it is inspired by those touched by Treacher Collins Syndrome.

Wonder in 2017 was based on the same-named 2012 book by R. J. Palacio.

Wonder Draws on R.J. Palacio's 2012 Book

Based on R. J. Palacio's 2012 novel of the same name, which as discussed above drew inspiration from several tales, Wonder 2017 Published on February 14, 2012, the modern children's book drew great compliments right away. Wonder (the novel) drew plaudits from many reviews for its nuanced characters and moving and inspirational narrative that tug at the heart strings. Reviews among individuals directly and indirectly impacted by Treacher Collins Syndrome were more varied, though, as some felt Wonder was a fantastic portrayal of the crippled community while others thought its accuracy and narrative use suffered.

wonder cast

Role

Treblelay, Jacob

August "Aughty" Pullman

Roberts, Julia

Isabel Pullman.

Owen Wilson could

Pullman, Nate

Izabela Vidowicz

Olivia "via" Pullman

Noah Jewe

Jack will

Mandy Patinkin.

Mr. Lawrence Tushingman

Daveing Diggs

Mrs. Thomas Browne

Braga Sônia

Grandchildren

Rodney Rose Russell

Miranda Navas:

Jeter Nadji

Jennifer Hollander

Bryce Gheisar is

Julia Albans

An Incident with Palacio's Son and the 1995 Song "Wonder" Inspired Wonder's Book

Although several real-life events inspired R. J. Palacio to create Wonder, the 2012 book drew mostly on one personal experience. Palacio's NPR interview claims that a few years before she published Wonder, the author was at an ice cream parlor with her kids when she came saw a young girl with a serious facial abnormality. She hurriedly left the ice cream store when Palacio's little kid started to cry at seeing her. The author claimed:

" thereafter, for the way I had responded, I became really upset about myself. I should have just turned to the small child, struck up a discussion, and shown my children that there was nothing to be terrified of. Instead, I left the scene so fast that I missed the chance to make the circumstances a fantastic teaching tool for my children. And that got me thinking a lot about what it must be like to... have to face a world every day that doesn't know how to face you back."

Wonder Chronicles by Lionsgate: An Inspiring Tale About a Young Boy With a Rare Facial Deformity

Thanks to its substance, one cannot help but wonder—pun intended—if Lionsgate's Wonder is based on a genuine story or entirely fabricated. It depicts an inspirational narrative about a young child with a rare facial abnormality. Directed by Stephen Chbosky and written by Chbosky, Steven Conrad, and Jack Thorne, Jacob Tremblay stars as the aforementioned boy, Auggie, in the 2017 coming-of- age family drama film Auggie suffers with fitting in and Treacher Collins syndrome from birth.

Set to open on October 4, 2024, in theaters, White Bird, a prequel and sequel to Wonder, stars Bryce Gheisar returning as Julian Albans.

Real condition: treacher Collins syndrome

Affecting one's face structure (including the skull and facial bones) and how it grows before they are even born, treacher Collins syndrome—also known as mandibulofacial dysostosis—is a hereditary disorder. Based on Seattle Children's Hospital's estimates, it is quite rare—one in 50,000 newborns globally annually. A gene mutation causes treacher Collins syndrome; therapy usually consists on facial reconstructive surgery to prevent hearing loss, respiratory problems, speech delays, loss of smell, and inability to eat or drink. As Wonder shows, Auggie needed 27 surgeries by the time he was ten years old.

Driven by superb performances from Jacob Tremblay and the rest of the ensemble, Wonder is a moving story of love and friendship.

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