Andrea RiseboroughandStephen Grahamare the latest to join the cast for the upcoming Netflix/TriStar adaptation of the stage musicalMatilda, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. The pair will take over whereDanny DeVitoandRhea Perlmanleft off as Matilda’s memorably nasty parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood. Notably, neither of these actors are known for their singing prowess and have not displayed said talents on screen before, which means this movie just got ten times more interesting.
Riseborough and Graham join previously castMatildastarsEmmaThompson,LashanaLynchand newcomerAlishaWeirin the musical adaptation. Weir will play heroine Matilda Wormwood. She brings previous stage and singing experience with her from roles inAnnieandOnce in Dublin. Thompson has signed on to play the villainous and terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull, and Lynch, best known forCaptain Marveland upcoming James Bond entryNo Time to Die, will play generous and open-hearted teacher Miss Honey.
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Netflix’s adaptation is based on theRoald Dahlclassic children’s book of the same name. The story follows the precocious and highly intelligent Matilda Wormwood, who suffers in an abusive household where she is neglected and mistreated. Upon going to school and making new friends and enemies, she discovers she has the magical ability of telekinesis. DeVito notably directed and starred in the beloved movie adaptation of the novel in 1996 withMaraWilson. The subsequent 2011 stage adaptation was a hit, although reviews were more mixed than audience reactions. (Although no one can deny that “Revolting Children” is insanely catchy and highly entertaining.)
Matildais the latest in a series of musical adaptations for the screen.Ryan Murphy’sThe Prom— which also found a home at Netflix — scored a couple of Golden Globe nominations after debuting on the service in December 2020. Other upcoming adaptations includeLin-Manuel Miranda’sIn the Heights(coming soon to HBO Max),Steven Spielberg’s remake ofWest Side Storyand musical megahitDear Evan Hansen. With the boom of streaming services and the current shutdown of Broadway productions, already-made content is in high demand and there’s certainly no complaining to be found here.
There is no release date yet for Netflix/TriStar’sMatilda. We’ll keep you updated on future news.
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