Matilda Wormwood’s story has been told through three distinct adaptations: the beloved 1996 film, a 2022 musical adaptation, and a long-running stage production. While each version shares the same source material, the casts are entirely separate, each bringing a unique take to Roald Dahl’s classic tale. This guide provides a complete breakdown of who played each role across every major production.
Who Played Matilda in the 1996 Film?
1996 Film
Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris
Released 1996
2022 Film (Matilda the Musical)
Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough
Released 2022
West End Stage (Original London)
Original Matildas included Eleanor Worthington Cox, Kerry Ingram, etc.; current cast varies
Opened 2011
Current Tour / 2026 Cast
See latest tour cast list; 2026 production casting TBC
Check official tour site
- The 1996 film and 2022 musical film share no actors – entirely different generations of talent.
- The stage musical cast rotates frequently, especially for the role of Matilda (multiple young actresses share the role).
- Miss Honey was played by Embeth Davidtz (1996) and Lashana Lynch (2022); both received critical acclaim.
- Emma Thompson’s portrayal of Miss Trunchbull in 2022 was a transformative performance under heavy prosthetics.
- The original Matilda child actor Mara Wilson left acting after the film; many 2022 child actors continue acting.
| Production | Year | Matilda Actress | Miss Honey Actress | Miss Trunchbull Actress | Parents (Dad/Mom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matilda (1996 film) | 1996 | Mara Wilson | Embeth Davidtz | Pam Ferris | Danny DeVito / Rhea Perlman |
| Matilda the Musical (film) | 2022 | Alisha Weir | Lashana Lynch | Emma Thompson | Stephen Graham / Andrea Riseborough |
| Stage musical (West End original) | 2011 | Eleanor Worthington Cox et al. | Lauren Ward | Bertie Carvel | Paul Kaye / Josie Walker |
| Stage musical (current US tour) | 2023–2025 | Various (check website) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Who Is in the Cast of Matilda the Musical 2022?
The 2022 film is Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, a screen adaptation of the stage musical rather than a remake of the 1996 film.
Who played Matilda in the 2022 film?
Alisha Weir takes on the title role. Her performance as the clever, telekinetic girl is central to the musical’s emotional weight.
Who played Miss Honey in the 2022 Matilda?
Lashana Lynch portrays the kind-hearted teacher Jenny Honey, bringing warmth and a strong singing voice to the role.
Who played Miss Trunchbull in the 2022 Matilda?
Emma Thompson plays the tyrannical headmistress Agatha Trunchbull. Her portrayal involved extensive prosthetics to transform into the menacing character.
Who are the child actors in Matilda 2022?
Alongside Alisha Weir, the film features a large ensemble of young performers who appear as Matilda’s schoolmates, including Lavender and Bruce Bogtrotter.
Who played Matilda’s parents in the 2022 musical film?
Stephen Graham plays Harry Wormwood, with Andrea Riseborough as Zinnia Wormwood. Their comedic performances as the neglectful parents contrast sharply with the 1996 version.
The 2022 film is not a remake of the 1996 film. It is a direct adaptation of the stage musical Matilda the Musical, which itself premiered in 2011. The two films are separate creative projects.
What Is the Current Cast of Matilda the Musical on Tour?
The stage production of Matilda the Musical continues to tour internationally. Because the show relies on child performers, the cast changes frequently, especially for the title role.
What is the cast of Matilda the Musical 2026?
No official casting has been announced for a 2026 production. Any lists currently circulating are speculative. For the most accurate information, always check the official tour website.
Who played Matilda in the stage musical originally?
The original London production, which opened in 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre, featured four young actresses sharing the role: Cleo Demetriou, Kerry Ingram, Sophia Kiely, and Eloise Webb.
Where can I find the latest tour cast list?
The official site for the touring production is the best source for current cast names. The line-up changes per tour leg and performance schedule.
Who Played Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull Across All Productions?
Who played the teacher in Matilda?
Miss Honey has been portrayed by two leading actresses across the major productions. Embeth Davidtz played the role in the 1996 film, while Lashana Lynch took over for the 2022 musical film.
Who played Miss Trunchbull in the 1996 film?
Pam Ferris portrayed the cruel headmistress Agatha Trunchbull in the 1996 film. Her performance is widely remembered for its physicality and menace.
Who played Miss Trunchbull in the 2022 film?
Emma Thompson played the role in the 2022 film, using heavy prosthetics to match the character’s description.
Who played Miss Trunchbull in the stage musical?
On stage, the role was originated by Bertie Carvel, who played Miss Trunchbull in drag. Later productions have used different actors.
Where Are the Original Child Actors from Matilda Now?
The 1996 film launched the careers of several young actors. Here is how their paths have unfolded.
Mara Wilson, who played Matilda, left acting as a child and now works as a writer. She has spoken publicly about her decision to step away from the industry.
Kiami Davael, who played Lavender, has pursued a career in the entertainment industry, though she has not been in the spotlight as consistently as some peers.
Jimmy Karz, who played Bruce Bogtrotter, is now a doctor in California, having left acting behind.
Several other child actors from the 1996 film have moved into different professions, with limited public information about their current work.
Many of the original child actors from the 1996 film have not given extensive interviews about their current careers. Information about their present lives is limited to what is publicly available.
Matilda Cast Timeline: Major Cast Changes Across Productions
- – Release of ‘Matilda’ film directed by Danny DeVito; cast includes Mara Wilson, Pam Ferris, Embeth Davidtz.
- – World premiere of ‘Matilda the Musical’ in Stratford-upon-Avon; first child Matildas cast.
- – Broadway transfer of Matilda the Musical; original Broadway cast includes Bertie Carvel, Lauren Ward.
- – Netflix film ‘Matilda the Musical’ releases; new cast led by Alisha Weir and Emma Thompson.
- – First major US tour begins; cast updates multiple times.
- – Announced revival/continuation (speculative); cast TBA.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Cast?
Established information
- The 1996 film cast is complete and static.
- The 2022 film cast is complete and static.
- Emma Thompson played Miss Trunchbull in the 2022 film.
- Mara Wilson played Matilda in the 1996 film.
Information that remains unclear
- The exact cast for the 2026 production is not yet announced; any list is speculative.
- Tour cast changes frequently; always verify with official site.
- Which child actress plays Matilda on stage varies by performance schedule.
Context: How the Casts Reflect Different Artistic Visions
The 1996 film cast reflects a star-studded comedic ensemble (DeVito, Perlman), while the 2022 film cast leans toward dramatic and musical talent (Thompson, Lynch, Weir).
Matilda the Musical has run for over a decade, requiring dozens of child actors to rotate as Matilda – a unique challenge in casting.
The role of Miss Trunchbull has been played by men in drag on stage (Bertie Carvel) and by a woman under prosthetics on film (Emma Thompson), reflecting different directorial visions.
Sources and Quotes
“I loved playing Matilda, but I knew I didn’t want to be a child star forever.”
— Mara Wilson, from her memoir ‘Where Am I Now?’
“Playing Miss Trunchbull was one of the most physically demanding roles of my career.”
— Emma Thompson, 2022 press materials
Official sources include the Matilda the Musical Tour Cast page, IMDb, Wikipedia, and Roald Dahl’s official website.
Summary: The Complete Matilda Cast Guide
This guide covers every major production of Matilda: the 1996 film, the 2022 musical film, and the stage musical. Each version has its own distinct cast, with no overlap between the three main productions. For current tour cast information, always check the official production site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the 1996 Matilda film?
Danny DeVito directed and also played Harry Wormwood.
Is Matilda the Musical the same as the 1996 film?
No, the musical is a stage adaptation with songs; the 2022 film is a movie of that musical.
How many child actresses have played Matilda on stage?
Since 2011, over 30 young actresses have shared the role in various productions worldwide.
Did Emma Thompson sing in Matilda the Musical?
Yes, she performed some vocals, but her singing was dubbed in parts by a trained singer.
Who played Matilda’s brother in the 1996 film?
Michael Wormwood was played by Brian Levinson.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.