Following the global success of the 2017 film Wonder, which earned over $315 million worldwide, author R.J. Palacio was ready for her next cinematic venture. With a vision already in mind, she approached Lionsgate to bring her next story to life.
“I had a meeting with Nathan Kahane at Lionsgate and shared a few early sketches and pages for White Bird,” Palacio told PW. “He immediately connected with it and told me, ‘Once you’ve finished the book, send it to me.’ True to his word, he followed through.”
Published in 2019, White Bird is a graphic novel that serves as a companion to Wonder. Now, five years later, its film adaptation is set to premiere on October 4. The movie shifts focus to Julian, a character introduced in Wonder as the antagonist to Auggie Pullman. In White Bird, audiences meet an older Julian and are introduced to his grandmother, who recounts her harrowing childhood as a Holocaust survivor.
Returning producers Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman helped bring the project to life, with Mark Bomback writing the screenplay. The film is directed by Marc Forster, known for The Kite Runner and Christopher Robin. Palacio expressed her confidence in Forster from the outset. “He had such a rich, layered vision for the film,” she said. “I knew he would bring the emotional depth the story needed.”
This second film adaptation experience taught Palacio to embrace creative changes. “It’s a collaboration,” she said. “I trusted Marc’s vision, and that made it easier to let go of full control.”
The cast includes Ariella Glaser as Sara Blum, Orlando Schwerdt as Julien Beaumier, and Bryce Gheisar reprising his role as Julian Albans. Gillian Anderson and Helen Mirren portray Vivienne and Grandmère Beaumier, respectively. Palacio, who also served as a producer, had a hand in casting and proudly takes credit for bringing Gheisar back. “He’s incredibly talented,” she said. “And this role gave him the chance to not just play the bully, but to redeem the character. Julian’s transformation in this film is powerful and heartfelt.”
Giving Julian his own story was something Palacio had long envisioned. “While writing Wonder, I chose not to include Julian’s point of view to focus on Auggie,” she explained. “But as a writer, I always knew Julian’s motivations and inner struggles. White Bird gave me the opportunity to finally explore his side of the story.”
At the heart of White Bird is Grandmère’s story, recounting her experiences as a young Jewish girl during the Holocaust. Palacio and Forster approached the heavy subject matter with care. “We didn’t want to sugarcoat history, but we also wanted to remain sensitive to younger viewers,” she said.
For Palacio, the film’s message is ultimately one of empathy and connection. “This movie isn’t political—it’s a reminder to really see each other,” she said. “It’s about remembering our shared humanity and finding a way to live in peace and understanding.”
