Everything We Know About the MATILDA Movie Musical

BroadwayWorld recently reported that the film adaptation of the 2010 Broadway musical "Matilda" will premiere on Netflix in December of 2022 - but what do we really know about the movie so far?

The film is a brand new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

Ahead of the premiere, BroadwayWorld put together a guide to "Matilda" onscreen - find out everything we know about the film, the cast, the soundtrack, and everything else below!

What is MATILDA?

Matilda Wormwood is a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination - and the worst parents in the world. While her parents content themselves with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, she loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. Where they are loud, selfish and unkind she is a quiet observer, thinking up small and cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge.

On meeting her inspirational teacher, Miss Honey, Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales. Excited to attend Crunchem Hall, Matilda is surprised to find the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the huge and villainous Miss Trunchbull.

As well as kind Miss Honey, the bright lights among the meanness are story-loving librarian, Mrs. Phelps, and Matilda's newfound school friends. Filled with an overwhelming sense of justice, Matilda dares to take a stand for what is right and teach Trunchbull a lesson she won't forget.

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is an inspirational musical tale of an extraordinary girl who discovers her superpower and summons the remarkable courage, against all odds, to help others change their stories, whilst also taking charge of her own destiny. Standing up for what's right, she's met with miraculous results.

Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda won 47 international awards.

The musical opened on Broadway in 2013 and played 1,555 performances before closing on January 1, 2017.

Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon, and Milly Shapiro split the title role at the very beginning of the Broadway production. Other original cast members included Bertie Carvel, Lauren Ward, Lesli Margherita, Taylor Trensch, and Gabriel Ebert.

Watch the official trailer for the new film here:

Who's in the cast of the film adaptation of MATILDA?

The cast of "Matilda" includes Alisha Weir as Matilda, Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull, Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey, Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as Matilda's parents Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, and Sindhu Vee as librarian Mrs. Phelps.

The cast also includes newcomers Charlie Hodson-Prior (Bruce Bogtrotter), Meesha Garbett (Hortensia), Rei Yamauchi Fulker (Lavender), Winter Jarrett Glasspool (Amanda Thripp), Andrei Shen (Eric), and Ashton Robertson (Nigel).

Alisha Weir is an eleven-year-old Irish actress known for her role as Laura on "Darklands."

The legendary Emma Thompson joins the film in the re-envisioned role, which was originally played by a male actor in drag. She is best known for roles in "Love, Actually," the "Harry Potter" films, "Saving Mr. Banks," "Much Ado About Nothing," and "Cruella." She also played Mrs. Lovett in a concert performance of "Sweeney Todd."

Lashana Lynch is best known for playing Rosaline Capulet in the ABC period drama series "Still Star-Crossed" and fighter pilot Maria Rambeau in "Captain Marvel."

Stephen Graham starred in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films and has several Broadway acting credits to his name; Andrea Riseborough appeared in "Birdman" and "Oblivion."

Finally, Sindhu Vee is a comedian known best for her appearances on "Have I Got News For You" and "Would I Lie To You?"

The film will also introduce Charlie Hodson-Prior (Bruce Bogtrotter), Meesha Garbett (Hortensia), Rei Yamauchi Fulker (Lavender), Winter Jarrett Glasspool (Amanda Thripp), Andrei Shen (Eric), and Ashton Robertson (Nigel).

Watch the teaser trailer for the new Matilda film here:

When can I see the film adaptation of MATILDA?

Netflix will release the film across the world [excluding the UK and Ireland] this Holiday Season. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release the film in UK and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on December 2, 2022

Who wrote MATILDA?

Matilda is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

The musical is based on the book of the same name by Roald Dahl, which was first released in 1988.

Who else is on the MATILDA creative team?

Directed by Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus, who directed the original stage production, the film is produced by Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan for Working Title, Jon Finn (Billy Elliot), and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Screenwriter Dennis Kelly adapts the Royal Shakespeare Company's production for the big screen, with original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

Ellen Kane, who worked with choreographer Peter Darling on the stage production, will contribute choreography.

Isn't there another film adaptation of MATILDA?

Yes! A non-musical adaptation of Dahl's novel was released in 1996.

Mara Wilson led a cast that also included Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davitz, Pam Ferris, and Paul Reubens.

The film was very well-received, garnering a 90% approval rating on review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes.

In 2019, director/star Danny DeVito said that he's always wanted to develop a sequel to "Matilda." No official plans have yet been announced for that project.

Where can I hear the soundtrack for the film adaptation of MATILDA?

Sony Music Masterworks will release Roald Dahl'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (SOUNDTRACK FROM THE NETFLIX FILM), an album of music from the film inspired by the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical, digitally on Friday, November 18 and in CD format Friday, December 9. Pre-order the soundtrack here.

Did the Matilda movie musical get good reviews?

Matilda the Musical opened the London Film Festival to rave reviews, currently holding at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Read the reviews here.