On Jan. 5, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Lashana Lynch is in final negotiations with Netflix to join the streamer’s feature adaptation of the musical Matilda. The musical — and 1996 cult-classic film — is based on Roald Dahl’s story following the titular 5-year-old who uses her powers of telekinesis to overcome bullies that include her parents and her school’s principal. The film will be helmed by Matthew Warchus, who also directed the stage musical. Original playwright Dennis Kelly will adapt the screenplay with original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The film will get an exclusive theatrical release in the UK through Sony’s TriStar Pictures, with Netflix distributing it worldwide online.
Lynch, who is set to take screens by storm as Nomi the new 007 when No Time Left to Die premieres on April 2, has been tapped to play Ms. Honey. The beloved teacher is one of the few to encourage Matilda and her powerful gifts and was famously played by Embeth Davidtz in the feature film adaptation.
Lynch was the first cast member revealed for the film, followed by the confirmation on Jan. 15 that Emma Thompson will play formidable headteacher Miss Trunchbull. Originally, Academy Award winner Ralph Fiennes was in talks for the part, as the character of Trunchbull is actually played by a man in the production of “Matilda The Musical”. However, Netflix’s movie musical landed on Thompson for the role. “We haven’t had to build the appearance of Trunchbull as a woman before!,” director Matthew Warchus told The Daily Mail when speaking about casting.
We can’t wait to see who’ll be joining Lynch and Thompson in the Matilda cast and here’s hoping the final project will be as fabulously colorful as HBO Max’s rendition of Dahl’s The Witches!
Image Sources: Getty / Gareth Cattermole and Everett Collection
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