It’s been over 20 years since the adorable Matilda stole our hearts using her telekinetic powers to overcome her bullies—including the still terrifying Miss Trunchbull—in the 1996 screen adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story. Well, prepare to eat your heart out kids of the nineties because Matilda is getting a 2021 refresh, thanks to Netflix.
The upcoming project will be based on the award-winning stage production, Matilda the Musical, which follows a young genius who battles with her parents and nemesis, completing numerous adventures alongside her caring teacher Miss Honey.
But while the Danny DeVito–directed movie saw the Wormwoods live in ’90s America, the musical—which ran on Broadway and the West End in the early 2010s—is set in Britain, like the book.
The new project comes as Netflix previously announced plans to recreate some of Dahl’s classic stories in the form of animated series, including The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. According to Bustle, the upcoming adaptions will also include some of the author’s lesser-known works, The Twits, The Enormous Crocodile, Henry Sugar, Billy and the Minpins and Rhyme Stew.
Below, everything we know so far about the Matilda musical movie on Netflix.
What will the new Matilda adaptation be about?
Netflix’s new adaptation, which is being brought to life by director Matthew Warchus following his work bringing the Dahl adaptation to the Broadway stage, is based on the 1988 novel of the same name.
“Matilda will be an imaginative and fresh retelling of the award-winning musical, 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,” per Variety.
As well as Warchus, original playwright Dennis Kelly is back at the helm of this new version and is writing the screenplay. There is no word yet on whether Tim Minchin will be involved in the project, the composer behind the original music and lyrics for Matilda the Musical.
Who has been cast in Netflix’s Matilda film?
Matilda will be played by Irish newcomer Alisha Weir, with Netflix confirming the 11-year-old singer, actor and dancer had landed the coveted role.
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