White Bird: Helen Mirren's Sequel to Julia Roberts' $315M Movie Is Finally Coming To VOD

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White Bird

White Bird, a follow-up to 2017's Wonder, has set a digital release date. Directed by Marc Forster, the film expands the Wonder universe, which grossed $315 million globally. While Wonder focused on Auggie Pullman's challenges with Treacher Collins syndrome in a middle school setting, White Bird shifts to a historical narrative centered on Auggie's bully, Julian (played by Bryce Gheisar), who visits his grandmother (Helen Mirren) in France following his expulsion from school and learns of her survival story during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II.

After a limited theatrical run earlier this month, the digital release on VOD offers White Bird a renewed opportunity to connect with home audiences. According to Collider, the movie will be available at home starting on November 1. Viewers will be able to either rent or buy the movie, which is based on the novel by Wonder author R.J. Palacio.

Did you know? The film was originally scheduled for release in September 2022, but was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

For fans of:

Historical dramas, like The Book Thief and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Emotional family-oriented films (e.g., Wonder)
Helen Mirren's previous acclaimed roles, such as The Queen and Golda

Why You Should Watch White Bird

It's An Inspiring And Poignant Story

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White Bird follows Julian's transformative journey after his expulsion from Beecher Prep, as his grandmother recounts her courageous story of survival in Nazi-occupied France, where she was sheltered by a classmate amidst growing dangers.

Director Marc Forster

Release Date October 4, 2024

Studio(s) Participant , Lionsgate , Mandeville Films

Distributor(s) Lionsgate

Writers Mark Bomback

Cast Ariella Glaser , Orlando Schwerdt , Bryce Gheisar , Gillian Anderson , Helen Mirren , Jo Stone-Fewings , Patsy Ferran , Stuart McQuarrie , Olivia Ross , Ishai Golan , Nadine Leon Gobet , John Bubniak , Jim High , Philip Lenkowsky , James Beaumont , Teagan Stark , Priya Ghotane , Yelisey Kazakevich , Jem Matthews , Sam Talacko , Timon McLean , Selma Kaymakci , Lily Huong Mac , Adam Bakule , Anise Napoleao dos Reis , Jordan Cramond , Laura Hudečková

Character(s) Sara (Young Grandmére) , Julien Beaumier , Julián , Vivienne Beaumier , Grandmére , Jean-Claude Beaumier , Mille. Petitjean , Pastor Luc , Rose Blum , Max Blum , Robyn , Gendarme Marc , Milice Commander , Rabbi Bernstein , Pastor Robert , Dillon , Rhamiya , Henri , Vincent , Claude , Sean , Mariann , Phoebe , Arlo , Lucy , Jerome , Sara Blum (5yo / 8yo)

Runtime 121 Minutes

White Bird takes the heartfelt themes of Wonder and explores them on a deeper, historically perceptive level. Mirren delivers a powerful performance as Julian's Grandmère as she recounts her harrowing experiences during WWII. Her character becomes a beacon of resilience, transforming Julian's journey from a troubled boy to one learning vital lessons of kindness and humility.

The supporting White Bird cast delivers strong performances, with talent such as Ariella Glaser as Sara Blum, who is Grandmère's younger self, Orlando Schwerdt as Julien Beaumier, and Gillian Anderson as Julien Beaumier's mother. The cast excels at contributing poignant emotional depth to the realistic experiences of the characters. These performances aid in illuminating the themes of the narrative, making White Bird a compelling watch for those who enjoy heartfelt yet sensitive films.

What Screen Rant has said about White Bird:

Even so, the vast majority of the film taps into the idea of finding hope within one of the darkest moments of human history. The fact Sara and Julian are so young yet are forced to experience these world-changing events makes it easy to connect with them as their stories unfold. And although the cast of Wonder didn't reprise their roles aside from Gheisar, he and Mirren's performances were highlights that accentuated the importance of Sara's story in the modern day. This blend of time periods helps emphasize the generational lessons present in the story. - White Bird Review: Helen Mirren Leads Predictable World War II Tale Uplifted By Emotional Story

White Bird Key Facts