Unquestionably one of the greatest children’s book adaptations in history is the 1996 film adaptation of Matilda, which starred Mara Wilson in the titular role. Therefore, the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s great book, Matilda, which is set to debut in 2022, faces a challenging task even though it is drawing from some outstanding new sources.
The Netflix film is based on both Dahl’s book and the 2011 West End musical, which brought Matilda’s adventures to life on stage while interspersing them with memorable original songs. When the show had its London debut in 2011, it immediately won over crowds and critics. Tim Minchin, a well-known Australian comedian, also wrote the music and lyrics. The production went on to win seven Olivier Awards.
With an all-star cast that includes Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull, Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey, and Alisha Weir as Matilda, Matilda the Musical has now been adapted for the big screen. With the exception of the songs, the musical largely follows the storyline of Dahl’s novel, tracing the life of Matilda Wormwood, a bright and kind young girl who feels misunderstood by everyone at both home and school. She quickly starts to experience weird powers that are well beyond her intelligence after escaping into the world of books.
Midway through June, the first trailer for Matilda the Musical was unveiled, highlighting Thompson’s portrayal of the unforgettable and terrifying Mrs Trunchbull. The plot centres on “an unusual girl, with a creative imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous outcomes,” according to the official synopsis. In addition to the songs from the stage show, Minchin is said to have written new songs for the film.
The movie will have a Netflix release in the US and Canada, but a theatrical release in the UK.
