Matilda the Musical film: Cast, songs and release date details revealed

5 May 2020, 12:12

Matilda, the popular 90s film is being remade for the 'modern era' as a musical film. But who is in the cast, who is writing the songs and when will the film be released? Here are all the details you need!

1. What is Matilda about?

   

   Matilda - Movie Trailer

   Written by Roald Dahl, Matilda follows the titular child prodigy, who fights against her mean parents and headmistress Miss Trunchbull while also helping teacher Miss Honey reclaim her life.

   The role of Matilda was originally played by actress Mara Wilson in the 1994 film.

2. Who is joining the cast of the new Matilda film?

   

   Matilda Reunion Mara Wilson

   Ralph Fiennes looks set to play Miss Trunchbull in the upcoming movie adaptation of Matilda: the Musical, according to early reports by Deadline.

   The 57-year-old actor, who played Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, is being lined-up to play another villain, Miss Trunchbull.

   While the role is a female character and was played by fellow Harry Potter actress Pam Ferris in the original film, the part has been played by men in the stage version.

   Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer is also reported to be taking on the role of Miss Honey, originally played by Embeth Davidtz.

   Actress Emma Stone is also reportedly in talks to join the casting line-up.

3. Who is writing the songs and music for the new Matilda film?

   

   The new movie will be adapted from Tim Minchin's 2010 musical, which saw a very successful run in London's West End.

   Speaking about writing music for the new film, Tim told NME: "I’ve actually just been working on a new song for Matilda because we’re meant to be, if it wasn’t for coronavirus, making a film of Matilda.

   "I’ve been working on it for a few days in my coronavirus cave. It’s sticky because it’s meant to be the song that ends the thing. It’s killing me. I just wanna f***ing shoot my computer and make it go away.

   "I think it’s probably a good song, but it’s difficult to get back into that headspace… 12 years after I wrote [the original musical]. I might work 10 hours a day on one three minute song and then you lie there in bed at night.

   "People know what it’s like having a song stuck in your head, but can you imagine having your own f***ing song stuck in your head? It’s like being stuck in a cave that you’ve dug out of your own flesh."

   

   Matilda The Musical Official West End Trailer

4. When will the new Matilda film be released?

   

   A release date has yet to be confirmed, as the production has now been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

   Check back here for more details as we'll keep this article updated with all the latest Matilda news.

5. Where will the new Matilda film be released?

   The movie has been backed by Netflix, but is expected to have a cinematic release before being added to the streaming service.

6. When did the original Matilda film come out?

   

   Matilda (1996) - Trailer

   Matilda was adapted into a 1996 family comedy fantasy film, and was co-produced and directed by Danny DeVito, from a screenplay written by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord.