Matilda Cast: Original Vs Remake
1996 - Matilda, Mara Wilson
Image source: Parade
Mara Wilson rose to prominence when she played the cute Natalie Hillard in "Mrs Doubtfire" in 1993. She went on to star in "Miracle on 34th Street", followed by her iconic role in "Matilda." By this time she was a seasoned actress! Wilson then took time out from the spotlight, returning in 2012 to concentrate on online videos.Advertisement
2022 - Alisha Weir
Image source: The Movie Buff
Alisha Weir recreated Mara Wilson's role, this time in "Matilda the Musical." She had made her movie debut in the the 2018 thriller "Don't Leave Home" and her tv debut in the crime drama "Darklands" in 2019. Weir was only 11 years old when she was cast as Matilda and 13 at the premier in 2022.Advertisement
1996 - Miss Trunchbull, Pam Ferris
Image source: YouTube
Welsh actress Pam Ferris was the natural choice as Mrs Trunchbull, headmistress at Crunchem Hall Primary School after her various television roles such as "Darling Buds of May." Ferris has been nominated three times at the National Television Awards for the Most Popular Actress. She continues to work up to this day.Advertisement
2022 - Emma Thompson
Image source: Newsweek
It was quite a scoop to bag Dame Emma Thompson as Mrs Trunchbull. She has achieved numerous accolades over the last forty years for her sensational acting and writing ability. There have been Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Emmys. Thompson is married to actor and producer Greg Wise.Advertisement
1996 - Miss Honey, Embeth Davidtz
Image source: The Sun
Embeth Davidtz was Miss Honey in the 1996 production of Matilda. American/South African actress Embeth played Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet in her debut performance at an open air theater in Cape Town. Her movies include "Schindler's List", "Mad Men", "In Treatment" and "Ray Donovan."Advertisement
2022 - Lashana Lynch
Image source: The Sun
British actress Lashana Lynch is well known for her role as Rosaline Capulet in ABC's drama "Still Star-Crossed" and Maria Rambeau in "Marvel Cinematic Universe and "Captain Marvel." She played Nomi in "No Time To Die" and won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2022. No wonder she got selected as Miss Honey!Advertisement
1996 - Mr Wormwood, Danny DeVito
Image source: Wiki Fandom
Danny DeVito was amazing in Matilda in the '90s as Mr Wormwood! He was in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", "Terms of Endearment" and "Batman Returns", to name but a few of his many, many roles. These were all before he starred in "Matilda." After the movie, he continued to act in many classics and turned to producing and directing as well.Advertisement
2022 - Stephen Graham
Image source: Stylist
Stephen Graham has won great reviews for almost all of his acting work, many of his roles being gritty and aggressive. Mr Wormwood is miles away from Graham's usual characters but the true professional that he is has ensured he has become a believable and humorous member of the musical. Stephen has been the recipient of two Academy Awards and was awarded an OBE.Advertisement
1996 - Mrs Wormwood, Rhea Perlman
Image source: Daily Feed
Rhea Perlman played Mrs Wormwood opposite her real life husband (at the time) Danny DeVito. Rhea was already very well known for playing Carla Tortelli in "Cheers." She was nominated for 10 Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actress, winning four of them. Most recently, she was in the blockbuster of the summer "Barbie."Advertisement
2022 - Andrea Riseborough
Image source: The Times
English actress Andrea Riseborough has worked her way up through the ranks, gaining larger British film and tv roles as time has gone by. For her compelling performance as a recovering addict in the 2022 drama "To Leslie", Andrea was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She was delighted to be cast in "Matilda the Musical" as Mrs Wormwood.Advertisement
1996 - Lavender, Kiami Davael
Image source: The Sun
Kiami Davael is best known for her role as Lavender. Born in Kentucky, her family all moved to California so Kiami could live her dream to become an actress. After a small part in "Moesha" she got the role in "Matilda." Now, the screenwriter, model, singer and songwriter is as busy as ever.Advertisement
2022 - Rei Yamauchi Fulker
Image source: myCast
Rei Yamauchi Fulker plays Matilda's best friend, Lavender in Roald Dahl's story, made into a musical. Rei became a child actor after initially attending amateur dramatics classes. She attended the world premiere of "Matilda the Musical" along with her parents who manage her social media accounts.Advertisement
1996 - Amanda Thripp - Jacqueline Steiger
Image source: Digital Spy
Jacqueline Steiger played the part of Amanda Thripp. The actress said she was always bored at school so her mom used to give her scripts to read each day to keep her entertained. After "Matilda", she was in "Dennis the Menace Strikes Again" and "Beautiful." She then went on to finish her education at University.Advertisement
2022 - Winter Jarrett-Glasspool
Image source: myCast
After initially being rejected for the role of Amanda Thripp, the casting team got back in touch with Winter, asking her to come in for another calI-back. It was great news as she got the part, the final part of the casting puzzle. "Matilda the Musical" was filmed during COVID times so was tricky for all but they certainly pulled it off!Advertisement
1996 - Bruce Bogtrotter, Jimmy Karz
Image source: LADbible
Jimmy Karz was catapulted to fame for his acting debut as Bruce Bogtrotter in "Matilda" and his most remembered scene was where he ate a whole chocolate cake, right in front of the school! He said it took three weeks to film and Karz had to have chocolate painted on his face every day in exactly the same way, for continuity!Advertisement
2022 - Charlie Hodson-Prior
Image source: WhatsOnStage
Charlie Hodson-Prior was cast in the Netflix film, "Matilda the Musical", originally written by Roald Dahl. The chocolate cake scene is, of course, re-enacted. Because Bruce Bogtrotter had stolen a slice of cake from headmistress Miss Trunchbull, she made him eat the entire cake in front of the school as a punishment.Advertisement
1996 - Hortensia, Kira Spencer Hesser
Image source: Best Life
Kira Spencer Hesser played various parts over the years, both before and after she appeared as Hortensia. Kira was on television and on the big screen. She played Angie Baxter Hubbard in the soap "All My Children" and was nominated for various awards for her portrayal. various roles throughout her career.Advertisement
2022 - Meesha Garbett
Image source: Just Jared
Meesha Garbett was over the moon to be accepted for the part of Hortensia. She had moved to London to attend the famous Sylvia Young Theater School. Meesha was already a dance champion and had appeared in music videos for Justin Bieber and George Ezra. She as also a ballet dancer.Advertisement
1996 - Mrs Phelps, Jean Speegle Howard
Image source: Wiki Fandom
Mrs Phelps was played by Jean Speegle Howard who sadly passed away in 2000, aged 73. Her son is director/producer/all round film genius Ron Howard. Jean had acted in many other movies. These included "The Grinch" and "Apollo 13." She regularly collaborate with her son and he cast her in some of his movies.Advertisement
2022 - Sindhu Vee
Image source: Stylist
Sindhu Vee was a late starter in comedy and made her debut in 2012. She won the accolade of Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for her performance named "Sandhog." Sindhu had already appeared on tv and radio before turning to acting. She described her part as Mrs Phelps as "a gift."Advertisement
1996 - Young Miss Honey, Phoebe Pearl
Image source: Celebsgraphy
Phoebe Pearl played young Miss Honey in the 1996 film "Matilda." As we know, the grown up Miss Honey becomes a positive influence on Matilda and the two of them form a solid bond. Miss Honey likes Matilda's because, as well as being well behaved, she is exceptionally gifted.Advertisement
2022 - Lauren Byrne
Image source: Wiki Fandom
Lauren Ann Byrne is a British singer and songwriter. She is also a talented dancer as well as a musical theater actress. No wonder she was perfect for the role of Miss Honey. Lauren had trained at the prestigious Guildford School of Acting and many of the pupils there have progressed to achieve their ambitions. Fun fact- she is allergic to apples!Advertisement
1996 - Nigel Hicks, Michael Valentine
Image source: The Sun
Michael Valentine played Nigel Hicks in "Matilda." We see him get into trouble with Miss Trunchbull because he has dirty hands and an even dirtier shirt. He answers her back when reprimanded so gets punished further. Despite this, Nigel is an intelligent school boy and is first to answer questions in the classroom.Advertisement
2022 - Ashton Robertson
Image source: The Sun
Ashton Robertson had previously acted on a very limited scale and was delighted to be able to fulfil a childhood dream of "making it." Nigel and Lavender are Matilda's best friends. Nigel's dad is a doctor and his mom helps the naturally bright Nigel study every evening.Advertisement
Child In Classroom, Austin Stout
Image source: Gazer
Austin Stout had a minor role in the original "Matilda" as the kid in the classroom but this started the wheels in motion to a more substantial acting career. Now aged 34, Stout has been in "NCIS", "Spongebob Squarepants" and "Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights. He is also a voice actor.
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2022 - Leon Ung
Image source: IMDb
Leon Ung is one of the kids in the classroom alongside Matilda. Leon is super talented, a dancer and gymnast and a stunt performer. He played Nas in the Oscar winning short film "The Long Goodbye" and his latest movie is "Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal." Ung has also been lined up to a new Disney film to be released next year.Advertisement
1996 - Danny DeVito - Director
Image source: Simple Wikipedia
Danny DeVito, the original Mr Wormwood, co-founded Jersey Films and was responsible for producing "Pulp Fiction" and "Erin Brockovich." He directed "Matilda" in 1996 as he wanted to bring Roald Dahl's book to life. He did a great job as the movie is iconic. Hopefully, the remake will do it justice.Advertisement
2022 - Matthew Warchus
Image source: YouTube
Matthew Warchus is a director and filmmaker. He is currently the Artistic Director at The Old Vic in London. a post he was offered and accepted in 2015. Besides directing "Matilda the Musical", he was also involved in the West End and Broadway version of "Hamlet." Warchus has won numerous awards for his work.Advertisement
1996 - Nicholas Kazan - Screenwriter
Image source: MUBI
Nicholas Kazan is a noted playwright who has premiered plays in Los Angeles and London. He is one of the screen writers on "Matilda the Musical." Kazan was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work on "Reversal of Fortune." He is married to screen writer Robin Swicord and they have two daughters, both actresses.Advertisement
2022 - Tim Minchin
Image source: WNYC
There are no less than 22 tracks in the upcoming movie and 12 of them have been written by Tim Minchin. Tim is a comedian, writer, actor, poet, musician and composer. He was born in Australia and moved to England. He is also the lyricist for the Broadway production of "Groundhog Day."Advertisement