How to Watch White Bird: A Wonder Story (2024) – Theatrical and Streaming Options

Last Update -
October 2, 2024 10:50 AM

White Bird

How to Watch White Bird: A Wonder Story (2024) – Theatrical and Streaming Options

Where to Stream

White Bird

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⭐ Rating

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📝 Synopsis

Following the events of Wonder, Julian Albans, who left Beecher Prep after bullying Auggie Pullman, is struggling to fit in at a new school. In an attempt to help her grandson understand empathy and bravery, his grandmother, Sara (Helen Mirren), shares the story of her own experience as a young Jewish girl during Nazi-occupied France.The film then shifts to 1942, where young Sara (Ariella Glaser) narrowly escapes capture by German soldiers and is hidden by her classmate Julien Beaumier (Orlando Schwerdt) and his family. Julien, who suffers from polio, teaches Sara lessons he learns in school and the two grow close despite the surrounding dangers. Their bond gradually transforms into love, but tragedy strikes when Julien is captured and killed by the Milice in 1944.After the war, Sara is reunited with her father, but the shadow of loss and sacrifice remains. Through this tale, Julian learns about the importance of standing up for others and not being a passive bystander in the face of cruelty.

🎬 Trailer

White Bird (2024): A Heartfelt and Moving Prequel to Wonder

White Bird: A Wonder Story is a 2024 American coming-of-age period drama that both extends and deepens the emotional resonance of Wonder (2017). Directed by Marc Forster and based on R.J. Palacio's 2019 graphic novel, White Bird serves as both a prequel and a sequel, revisiting the character of Julian Albans (played by Bryce Gheisar) and weaving in a poignant World War II storyline. With a star-studded cast featuring Helen Mirren, Gillian Anderson, Ariella Glaser, and Orlando Schwerdt, this film brings together themes of kindness, survival, and courage in the face of unspeakable horrors.

Powerful Performances and Storytelling

White Bird features powerful performances from its lead actors. Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt shine as young Sara and Julien, capturing the emotional weight of their friendship and love in the face of persecution. Helen Mirren, in her role as Sara’s grandmother, provides gravitas, anchoring the film's message of hope, courage, and compassion.

Gillian Anderson and Jo Stone-Fewings add depth to the story as Julien's parents, while Bryce Gheisar reprises his role as Julian Albans, continuing the character’s redemption arc. The film, while deeply rooted in the horrors of World War II, maintains a hopeful tone, focusing on the resilience of the human spirit.

Production and Development

In 2019, Lionsgate acquired the rights to R.J. Palacio's White Bird: A Wonder Story, seeing the potential to expand the Wonder universe with this heartfelt prequel. Directed by Marc Forster, known for films like Finding Neverland and The Kite Runner, White Bird brings the right balance of emotional storytelling and cinematic beauty. Filming took place in the Czech Republic in 2021, after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman from Mandeville Films at the helm, the film was shaped to align with the values of kindness and empathy that Wonder made famous, while introducing the darker themes of war and survival.

Release and Reception

White Bird premiered in select countries, including Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, on January 4, 2024. In the United States, it is scheduled for release on October 4, 2024, by Lionsgate. The film had previously faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

Critics have largely praised White Bird for its moving narrative and performances. Dennis Harvey of Variety described the film as “elevating somewhat contrived material with tastefully lyrical craftsmanship.” He acknowledged that while there are occasional sentimental moments, Forster’s direction keeps the film grounded and avoids over-the-top melodrama. In contrast, Hannah Brown of The Jerusalem Post felt that the film occasionally leaned into kitsch but praised the young leads and Helen Mirren for delivering genuinely touching performances.

As of May 2024, White Bird had seen significant box office success in Italy and Poland, making up over 90% of its global gross revenue from those countries alone.

Where to Watch White Bird: A Wonder Story

If you're ready to watch this moving extension of the Wonder universe, here's how and where to view it:

  • Theatrical Release: White Bird will be available in U.S. theaters starting October 4, 2024. For international viewers, it has already been released in select countries like Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Poland earlier in 2024.
  • Streaming Options (Expected): While no official streaming platform has been announced yet, it's likely that White Bird will eventually be available on popular platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Lionsgate’s own distribution service. Stay tuned for updates after its U.S. theatrical run.
  • Digital Rentals/Purchases: After its theater release, White Bird is expected to be available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and Vudu.
  • International Release Dates: Check local listings to confirm availability in your region, as some countries like Portugal, Poland, and Italy have already released the film in theaters.

White Bird: A Wonder Story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. With strong performances from its cast, especially Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, and Helen Mirren, the film beautifully conveys the importance of empathy, courage, and love. Whether you're a fan of Wonder or drawn to historical dramas, White Bird offers an emotional journey worth watching.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Bird: A Wonder Story (2024)

  • What is White Bird: A Wonder Story about?
    The film follows Sara Blum, a Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France, as she hides from the Germans with the help of her classmate Julien, while also continuing Julian Albans' redemption arc from Wonder.
  • Is White Bird a sequel to Wonder?
    Yes, it serves as both a prequel and sequel to Wonder, exploring Julian’s backstory and his grandmother’s experiences during World War II.
  • Who stars in White Bird: A Wonder Story?
    The cast includes Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, Bryce Gheisar, Gillian Anderson, and Helen Mirren.
  • When was White Bird released in the U.S.?
    White Bird: A Wonder Story is set to be released in U.S. theaters on October 4, 2024.
  • Where was White Bird filmed?
    Principal photography took place in the Czech Republic in 2021.
  • Who directed White Bird?
    The film was directed by Marc Forster, known for Finding Neverland and The Kite Runner.
  • Is White Bird based on a book?
    Yes, it is based on the 2019 graphic novel White Bird by R.J. Palacio, the author of Wonder.
  • Who plays Sara Blum in White Bird?
    Ariella Glaser plays the young Sara Blum, while Helen Mirren portrays her older self.
  • What is the runtime of White Bird?
    The exact runtime hasn't been confirmed but is expected to be between 1.5 to 2 hours, typical of period dramas.
  • Will White Bird be available for streaming?
    While no official streaming service has been announced yet, it's expected to be available on platforms like Prime Video, Hulu, or Lionsgate Play after its theatrical run.
  • How is Julian Albans involved in the story?
    Julian (Bryce Gheisar), now attending a new school, is told his grandmother Sara’s story to learn about empathy and courage after the events of Wonder.
  • Is White Bird historically accurate?
    While the characters are fictional, the film is set against the real historical backdrop of Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
  • What themes does White Bird explore?
    The film explores themes of bravery, compassion, survival, and the importance of standing up for others.
  • What age group is White Bird appropriate for?
    White Bird is a family-friendly film, much like Wonder, although it deals with serious themes such as the Holocaust.
  • What is the reception for White Bird so far?
    Early reviews have praised the film for its performances, particularly Helen Mirren and Ariella Glaser, and its emotional storytelling.