Roald Dahl’s Matilda Wormwood, the precocious little girl with telekinetic powers, has captivated readers for generations. In 2022, the magic of Matilda transitioned from the stage to the screen once again with the release of Matilda the Musical. 

This critically acclaimed film boasted not only stunning visuals and catchy tunes, but also a phenomenal cast that brought the beloved characters to life.

This article delves into the talented individuals who brought Matilda Wormwood’s story to the big screen, exploring their backgrounds, their roles in the film, and the impact they made on the overall production.

Leading the Rebellion: Alisha Weir as Matilda Wormwood

At the heart of Matilda the Musical lies the exceptional Alisha Weir as Matilda Wormwood.  Just 11 years old at the time of filming, Weir delivers a powerhouse performance, capturing Matilda’s intelligence, defiance, and unwavering spirit.  

Prior to Matilda, Weir had experience in theatre productions but the film catapulted her into the spotlight, showcasing her remarkable talent and earning her widespread praise from critics.

The Tyrannical Trio: 

Emma Thompson, Stephen Graham, and Andrea Riseborough

Matilda’s journey is filled with challenges, and a significant part of that struggle stems from the dreadful adults in her life. Here’s a closer look at the actors who embodied these villainous characters:

Emma Thompson as Miss Agatha Trunchbull: 

The tyrannical headmistress of Crunchem Hall Elementary School, Miss Trunchbull, is a formidable force.  Emma Thompson portrays her with relish, capturing the character’s cruelty and absurdity with comedic timing and fierce intensity.  Thompson, a multiple Oscar-winner, brings her immense experience to the role, making Trunchbull a truly terrifying, yet hilarious villain.

Stephen Graham as Mr. Wormwood: 

Matilda’s neglectful and self-absorbed father, Mr. Wormwood, is brilliantly played by Stephen Graham.  Graham’s comedic timing shines through as he portrays Mr. Wormwood’s shallowness and complete disinterest in his daughter.

Andrea Riseborough as Mrs. Wormwood: 

Completing the trio is Andrea Riseborough as the vain and materialistic Mrs. Wormwood.  Riseborough’s performance perfectly captures the character’s self-centeredness and obliviousness to Matilda’s needs.

A Beacon of Hope: Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey

Matilda finds a source of warmth and support in her kind and dedicated teacher, Miss Honey.  Lashana Lynch embodies this role with warmth and vulnerability.  Lynch’s portrayal showcases Miss Honey’s struggles and triumphs, making her a relatable and inspirational figure for viewers.

The Misfit Friends: The Young Ensemble Cast

Matilda’s journey isn’t solitary.  She finds solace and friendship with her classmates at Crunchem Hall.  The film features a talented ensemble cast of child actors who bring these characters to life:

Meesha Garbett as Hortensia: 

Matilda’s closest friend, Hortensia, is a brave and loyal companion.  Meesha Garbett’s performance perfectly captures this friendship.

Charlie Hodson-Prior as Bruce Bogtrotter: 

Bruce, the unfortunate victim of Miss Trunchbull’s chocolate cake punishment, is  played by Charlie Hodson-Prior.  Despite the character’s limited dialogue, Hodson-Prior’s expressive face and comedic timing make him a memorable presence.

Other Notable Ensemble Members: 

The film also features outstanding performances from Andrei Shen (Eric), Ashton Robertson (Nigel), Winter Jarrett-Glasspool (Amanda Thripp), Rei Yamauchi Fulker (Lavender), and the rest of the young cast, who add energy and vibrancy to the school environment.

Beyond the Leads: Supporting Characters and Special Mentions

Sindhu Vee as Mrs. Phelps: 

The nervous librarian, Mrs. Phelps, is played by Sindhu Vee, who adds a touch of humor to the narrative.

Carl Spencer as Magnus the Escapologist: 

The charismatic escape artist, Magnus, provides a brief but memorable scene,  played by Carl Spencer.

Lauren Alexandra as Acrobat and Katherine Kingsley as Acrobat’s Stepsister:  The acrobatic duo adds a touch of whimsy and spectacle to the film.

Matt Henry as The Doctor:  

A brief yet vital role, Matt Henry portrays the doctor who examines Matilda.

A Chorus of Talent: The Power of Ensemble

While the lead actors deliver captivating performances, Matilda the Musical wouldn’t be the same without the talented ensemble cast.  The young actors playing Matilda’s classmates bring an infectious energy and authenticity to their roles, showcasing the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

FAQs

Who plays Matilda Wormwood in the movie?

The brilliant young actress Alisha Weir takes on the title role of Matilda Wormwood, the book-loving girl with extraordinary telekinetic powers.

Who portrays the terrifying Miss Trunchbull in the film?

The legendary Emma Thompson transforms into the formidable headmistress, Miss Agatha Trunchbull, with her signature hammer and terrifying demeanor.

Who brings the kindness of Miss Honey to life?

The talented Lashana Lynch takes on the role of Miss Jennifer Honey, Matilda’s gentle and encouraging teacher.

How old was Alisha Weir when she filmed Matilda?

While the exact age isn’t publicly available,  production wrapped in 2020 and Alisha Weir was likely around 11 or 12 years old at the time.

Did Lashana Lynch play Miss Honey in the stage version of Matilda?

No, Lashana Lynch specifically joined the cast for the film adaptation. The stage version has had various actresses portray Miss Honey.

What other films has Emma Thompson starred in?

Emma Thompson is a renowned actress with a vast filmography. Some of her notable films include “Sense and Sensibility,” the Harry Potter series, and “Beauty and the Beast” (2017).

Is Matilda the Musical film a remake of the 1996 movie?

No, the 2022 film is an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning stage musical, which itself is based on Roald Dahl’s original book.

Where can I find the soundtrack for Matilda the Musical film?

The Matilda the Musical film soundtrack is available on various digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and on physical CDs.

Was the music in the film written specifically for Matilda?

Yes, the music and lyrics for Matilda the Musical were composed by Tim Minchin, specifically for the stage production, which then carried over to the film adaptation.

Who are some of the other actors playing Matilda’s classmates?

The film features a talented ensemble cast of child actors playing Matilda’s classmates, including Agatha Theodoulou (Lavender), Lauren Alexandra (Amanda Thripp), and Rei Yamauchi Fulker (Hortensia).

Did the children in the film have any experience in acting before Matilda?

Some of the child actors might have had prior acting experience, but the casting directors likely looked for a combination of talent and the right fit for each character.

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