Entertainment

The Oscar winner recently celebrated her 50th birthday. Julia is married to cameraman Daniel Moder, and they have three children together (right).

When we think of superhero movies, we imagine capes, Lycra and incredible stunts, but Julia Roberts thinks her latest feelgood flick should be thought of as just that.

‘To me, Wonder is a superhero movie because Auggie is a superhero,’ Julia told The Sun.

Based on the 2012 novel of the same name, Wonder tells the tale of 10-year-old Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) who suffers from a rare facial deformity.

After being home schooled by his mother (Julia Roberts), the time has come for Auggie to leave the safety of his home and enter the fifth grade. With the help of his parents, Auggie attempts to fit in and show the world he is a normal kid.

Julia’s megawatt smile has been gracing our screens for three decades, and in recent years, the actress has become more selective when it comes to choosing her roles. But as a mother-of-three, she knew there was no question – she had to be in this film.

‘[The book] stopped me in my tracks. I read it with my kids, I loved it, they loved it,’ she revealed to The Sun. ‘I hurled myself on the mercy of the producers and said: “Please, let me be in this movie. I wanna be the mom.’’’

The Oscar-winner admits she was blown away by her co-star Jacob. Best known for his award-winning performance in Room, Jacob is unrecognisable as Auggie. It took two hours of make-up and prosthetics to achieve his facial deformity.

‘His make-up was just so intrinsic and detailed,’ Julia told Cinemablend. ‘He never complained on the set, and he never complained in the chair, and that, I think, speaks to who he is as a human.’

It comes as no surprise that Wonder is already picking up some awards-season buzz. With a stellar cast including Owen Wilson and Mandy Patinkin, this inspiring film is the must-see of the year. But make sure you pack the tissues, because there won’t be a dry eye in the house.