A novel about being brave, staying true to oneself and some inspiring women who stand up for what they believe is right (The Independent)
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Nineties kids prepare yourself – Netflix is bringing us the long-awaited film adaptation of Matilda the Musical.
It’s set to have an all-star cast, with Emma Thompson playing Miss Trunchbull, the terrifying headteacher of Crunchem Hall Primary School, and Lashana Lynch playing the loving Miss Honey. There are newcomers too, with youngster Alisha Weir set to bring the main character to life.
Directed by Matthew Warchus, the streaming service’s remake is based on Tim Minchin’s award-winning musical, which itself is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s popular novel that tells the tale of a book-loving child who possesses some extraordinary qualities.
Talking about the new movie, Warchus said it will be “an imaginative and fresh retelling of the award-winning musical featuring talented young newcomers alongside established stars”.
If you’re as excited as us by this news and can’t wait to watch, why not revisit the classic children’s title and enjoy Roald Dahl’s unique ability to relish in the endless possibilities of imagination.
As a novel about being brave, staying true to yourself and standing up for what you believe is right, it’s one that can be enjoyed by everybody, whatever your age.
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‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl, published by Puffin
This is the tale of book-loving Matilda Wormwood. Not an ordinary child, there’s something special about her… and she’s had enough of her parents and their bullying ways. With the help of her kind teacher Miss Honey, Matilda goes on a mission to change things for the better, plotting quiet revenge against her unsympathetic and grotesque family.
It’s a magical story that proves that with a little ingenuity, anyone can bring about change. Dahl crafts a character that is small yet mighty, and this novel provides a prime example of women joining forces to overcome adversity. We can’t wait to see how Netflix will adapt Matilda the Musical for the screen.
