While the box office at movie theaters has been up and down all year, one of the biggest surprises of 2017 happened this past weekend: Lionsgate’s fantastic filmWondermade over $27 million dollars even though it was up against Warner Bros.' mega-budget superhero team-upJustice League. While I figured the popularity ofR.J. Palacio’snovel would get families into movie theaters opening weekend, everyone involved in the making of the film deserves credit for crafting something special.
Last week, at the London press junket forWonder, I sat down with producersDavid HobermanandTodd Liebermanto talk about the making of the movie. They revealed how they first acquired the material, the long road to movie screens (they first spoke to R.J. Palacio in March of 2012!), how they gotStephen Chboskyto direct the project, what they learned from test screenings, the casting process, and so much more. If you enjoyedWonderand are curious how the project was made, you’ll learn a lot watching what they had to say. In addition, they talked about the worldwide success ofBeauty and the Beast(they also produced that film), why well-done films likeStrongerdidn’t perform at the box office, upcoming projects likeExtinction,Swan LakeandThe Aeronauts, and a lot more.
If you’re not familiar withWonder, the film is based on the novel of the same name byR.J. Palacioand starsJacob Tremblayas Auggie, a young boy born with facial differences that, until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school. As he enters the fifth grade, his parents, played byJulia RobertsandOwen Wilson, decide he should go to a public elementary school. As we follow Auggie adapting to his new situation, the film switches perspectives to include his sister, her boyfriend, Auggie’s fellow classmates and more. It’s an interesting way to tell the story and it absolutely works. I thought Chbosky did a great job helming this movie and loved the message of the film. Strongly recommended.Wonderalso starsIzabela VidovicandMandy Patinkin.
Check out what David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman had to say in the video above; below is exactly what we talked about, followed by the official synopsis.
David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman:
Here’s the official synopsis for Wonder:
Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie’s extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
Lionsgate presents, in association with Walden Media and Participant Media, a Mandeville Films / Lionsgate production.
