There’s a remake of Matilda coming to Netflix

Dame Emma Thompson will take on the role of the formidable headteacher Miss Trunchbull in the Netflix musical adaptation of Matilda.

Netflix is bringing Matilda to its streaming service and has announced that James Bond actress Lashana Lynch will play the kind-hearted Miss Honey while newcomer Alisha Weir will take the title role.

The film is directed by Matthew Warchus, artistic director of the Old Vic.

Warchus said: “Matilda will be an imaginative and fresh retelling of the award-winning musical, Matilda, featuring talented young newcomers, alongside established stars.

“I look forward to introducing this beloved and powerful story to a new generation of fans around the world.”

Matilda is based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name.

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It was previously adapted for the screen in 1996 and starred Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Pam Ferris and Embeth Davidtz.

Matilda is a young, highly intelligent girl who develops psychokinetic abilities and uses them to deal with her dysfunctional family.

The original film was critically acclaimed but flopped at the box office.

Netflix’s version will be written by Dennis Kelly, who has adapted it from the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical, which had original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

This week Netflix announced it was to release over 70 new movies – find out more here.