Owen Wilson is in talks to star in ‘Wonder’ opposite Julia Roberts.
The 47-year-old actor is close to agreeing a deal to appear in the Liongsgate production, an adaptation of Raquel J. Palacio’s novel of the same name about Auggie Pullman – a young boy born with a facial deformity.
Jacob Tremblay – the nine-year-old actor who got his big break in 2015’s ‘Room’ – is playing Auggie, Roberts has been cast as his mother and Wilson is wanted to portray the boy’s father.
In the book, Auggie has Treacher Collins syndrome and a cleft palate and after being home schooled for most of his childhood due to the volume of operations he is enrolled in private school and undergoes an incredible journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Lionsgate has scheduled the film for an April 2017 release.
Stephen Chbosky, who directed ‘The Perks of Being a Wall Flower’ is helming ‘Wonder’ from a script penned by Jack Thorne – the writer of ‘This is England ’90’ – and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ writer Steve Conrad.
Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman are producing via their company Mandeville Films.
Wilson recently wrapped up filming Relativity’s ‘Masterminds’ with Jason Sudeikis, Kirsten Wiig and Zach Galifianakis, is currently filming Alcon’s comedy ‘Bastards’ with Ed Helms.
Palacio’s book has sold more than two million copies since it was published by Knopf Books for Young Readers in 2012.
Owen Wilson set for Wonder role
