By: Claire Ying
A new trailer has just been released for Netflix’s new film ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.’ The film was directed by Matthew Warchus, and 11-year-old Alisha Weir stars as protagonist Matilda. Lashana Lynch will take on the role of fan-favorite Miss Honey, and Emma Thompson will be antagonist Miss Trunchbull.
The film is based on Roald Dahl’s 1980s children’s book, which has previously been staged as a Tony Award-winning Broadway show and adapted into a 1996 film starring Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson. In the original, title character Matilda finds that she can move objects with her mind, and later uses this special power to protect her friends and teacher, Miss Honey.
The new movie is based off of Matilda the Musical Stage show, which was performed in London’s West End and ended up winning seven Olivier Awards. The stage show is acknowledged for introducing the songs ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘A Little Bit Naughty,’ which were both composed by Australian comedian, Tim Minchin.
Discussing her ideas for selecting parts, especially the racially controversial one in Matilda, Lynch tells Elle that everything she does is for her culture, stating, “[a]s a Black woman, a Londoner and an immigrant, I’m never going to be comfortable choosing a role that is going to make my culture question anything. I’ve taken it on as my responsibility to ensure that my generation and those coming after me know that there was a point at which something happened for the first time.”
Warchus told Variety, “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.” This modernized take on the classic is expected to be out in theaters in December 2022.
Sources:
https://www.glamour.com/story/netflix-matilda-musical-movie-everything-we-know-so-far
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656285237686x131008868100091820/Matilda%20the%20Musical_%20From%20Miss%20Trunchbull%20to%20Miss%20Honey%20-%20Here%27s%20what%20we%20know%20-%20CBBC%20Newsround.pdf
https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/a35138515/matilda-musical-netflix/