Netflix Announced The Cast For Its ‘Matilda’ Adaptation And There’s Some Familiar Faces
Get ready for a new waltzing Matilda!
Just when you thought the movie industry was running out of things to adapt, Netflix has a big one coming our way. A new musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, Matilda, is scheduled to hop on Netflix sometime in the near future.
The official Twitter account for Netflix has just announced some of the cast and yes, there are a few familiar faces. Let’s break it all down.
Matilda
Playing the lead role in this flick is child actress, Alisha Weir. This is her first major role after she had a small role in the Irish tv drama series Darklands. She nabbed the role of a lifetime after giving an “unforgettable audition,” according to the director.
Miss Honey
As for the sweet mother-figure in the film, Miss Honey will be played by Lashana Lynch. This actress is best known for her role in the 2017 period drama series Still Star-Crossed and acting as a fighter pilot in Captain Marvel.
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However, we have a feeling this star is going to skyrocket because not only does she have this film adaptation coming out soon, but she is also set to star in the upcoming Bond flick, No Time To Die.
Miss Trunchbull
Whether you know Emma Thompson as the kind-hearted housewife in Love, Actually, the aloof Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter series, or the toothless Nanny Mcphee, you know this icon has range. As a result, we’re so excited to see her take on the role of the psychotic Miss Trunchbull. My God, I can’t wait to see Emma Thompson swing come schoolgirls by their own pigtails. Pure chaos.
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Interestingly enough, early last year, Ralph Fiennes was actually considered for the part. However, an executive close to the project told the Daily Mail that “the best gender to play a woman, should be a woman,” and Fiennes was subsequently dropped from consideration.
The Director
Finally, as for the director, this Matilda movie will be directed by the one-and-only, Matthew Warchus. Warchus has not only been Artistic Director for London’s Old Vic Theatre since September 2015, but he’s got a special attachment to this project. In 2010, Warchus directed Matilda The Musical, which eventually went on to tour the West End and travel internationally.
In a statement, Warchus said, “Matilda will be an imaginative and fresh retelling of the award-winning musical, Matilda, featuring talented young newcomers, alongside established stars… I look forward to introducing this beloved and powerful story to a new generation of fans around the world.”
💫 *Alisha Weir as Matilda*💫
💫 *Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull*💫
💫 *Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey*💫
That's magic. That's MATILDA. Director Matthew Warchus' musical adaptation, coming to Netflix. pic.twitter.com/CcTbItI8TV
— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) January 15, 2021
The last film adaptation of this Roald Dahl story came in 1996. It starred Mara Wilson, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris in the roles. Netflix’s version will alternatively be written by Dennis Kelly, who adapted it from the Tony award-winning musical, which contains music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.