An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical, based on the 1988 book by Roald Dahl, “Matilda” tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Dennis Kelly adapted the screenplay from the RSC musical, with score and and lyrics by Tim Minchin.
Andrea Riseborough, (Luxor) and Stephen Graham, (This Is England and Code 404) will play Matilda’s parents and Sindu Vee (Feel Good and acclaimed stand-up comedian) will play the librarian, Mrs Phelps. As we previously announced Alisha Weir, will play the title role, Emma Thompson will be her nemesis Miss Trunchbull, and Lashana Lynch the sympathetic Miss Honey.
The film is being directed by Matthew Warchus, who also oversaw the stage version of the hit musical, written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Minchin.
Warchus had said when the project was announced: “‘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.”
Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company with Netflix, the film will be distributed worldwide by Netflix except in the U.K., where TriStar Pictures will distribute in cinemas.
“Matilda” was previously adapted for the screen in 1996, with Danny DeVito starring and directing, Mara Wilson playing the title role and Pam Ferris playing the disciplinarian Miss Trunchbull.