Netflix Provides First Look at Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical’s Film Adaptation

Based on the literary works of Roald Dahl and featuring music by the legendary Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly – Matilda the Musical was arguably one of the biggest musical theatre hits of last decade. For as long as the show has been out, there has been talk of a film adaptation, and this holiday season we will be getting one kudos of Netflix. Pitched as a “brand new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical”, viewers will once again return to the world of child-prodigy Matilda, only unlike the original 90s feature film starring Mara Wilson, Danny Devito, Pam Ferris, Embeth Davidtz and Rhea Perlman – expect a darker story with a lot more singing.

Matilda is expected to be available this holiday season exclusively via Netflix, and features direction by Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical), screenwriting by Dennis Kelly, new and returning songs by Tim Minchin and producers Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan for Working Title, Jon Finn (Billy Elliot), and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company at the helm.

Preview of Matilda the Musical’s Australian Season back in November 2016

In the new trailer (above), we have also received the first cast confirmations, with Alisha Weir filling the shoes of titular character Matilda Wormwood. Her parents are portrayed by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough, the supportive teacher Miss Honey is filled by Lashana Lynch and the villainous Miss Trunchbull is performed by iconic actor Emma Thompson – who captures all the… despair-inducing charm of the character from the musical. No performers from the original West End or Broadway casts are confirmed to make an appearance – although one can hope for a cameo by Bertie Carvel.

With the Australian tour of Matilda the Musical having departed our shores for many years now, I look forward to enjoying the mastery of the musical adaptation once again, and perhaps finding new elements to love.

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