Netflixhas unveiled a trailer for its upcoming musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s classic,Matilda the Musical, which stars Emma Thompson, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Sindhu Vee, Alisha Weir, and Lashana Lynch. The film, directed by Matthew Warchus, is adapted from the Royal Shakespeare Company Production of the same name, with lyrics written by Tim Minchin.
Based on the 1988 book by one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors for more than a half-century,Netflix’sMatilda the Musicalfocuses on a little girl named Matilda Wormwood, an outsider whose parents focus on illegal schemes and television trash while Matilda finds refuge in the world of books. Matilda, under the guidance of her favorite teacher, Miss Honey(Lynch), constructs fantastical tales while battling the school’s villainous Miss Trunchbull (Thompson). Dahl’s book was previously adapted into a film featuring Mara Wilson in the title role.
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TheMatilda the Musicaltrailer features a much-transformed Thompson in the role of Matilda’s foe, the terrible Miss Trunchbull, and gives a glimpse of what’s to come in the magical world of Crunchem Hall School, where Mathilda comes into her own powers of magic and fantastical world-building. Viewers get snippets of the score, an original from Minchin, who previously is known in the UK for his comedy skits and songs. The Royal Shakespeare Production, adapted by Dennis Kelly and directed by Warchus, made waves after it premiered in the UK in 2010, winning 7 Laurence Olivier Awards.
Matilda the Musicallooks to be a visual delight with apt performances by Graham and Riseborough as Mathilda’s lacklustre parents, as well asLashana Lynch as Miss Honey, everyone’s favorite teacher. Dahl’s work in general, with its quirky storylines and fantastical worlds, lends itself well to musical adaptation.Matilda, one of the last works by Dahl before his death, is considered one of his greatest works along withJames and the Giant Peach,The Witches, andCharlie and the Chocolate Factory, all of which have popular film interpretations and revivals in recent years.
Matilda the Musicalwill appeal to fans of Dahl’s classic works as well as fans of musicals, an interest that has grown in the past decades as many popular classics have had new renditions on Broadway, cinema, and television. This includes titles likeInto the Woods,Grease, andHigh School Musical, as well as live-action Disney musical faves likeBeauty and the Beastandthe upcomingThe Little Mermaid.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musicalwill be released in theaters in the UK and Ireland on November 25 through Sony Pictures UK/TriStar Pictures. It will be available on Netflix in the US and elsewhere on December 25th, 2022.
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