Netflix has cast Ralph Fiennes to play a gender-bent version of Miss Trunchbull in their film adaptation of the stage musical, Matilda. The 1996 film, also based on the story by Roald Dahl, flopped in theaters, only making $33 million on an estimated budget of $36 million. However, following the film's theatrical run, it has garnered a cult following, leading it to become one of the most beloved children's films of the 1990s.
The 1996 film, based on Dahl's children's book, follows a precocious young girl named Matilda, who discovers she has telekinetic abilities. She uses these abilities to play pranks on her cruel, unloving parents and the sinister headmaster of her school, Miss Trunchbull. The story was adapted by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord and directed by Danny DeVito, who also happened to star in the film as Matilda's father. The film's cast included Mara Wilson, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Paul Reubens and Pam Ferris. in 2010, the story was adapted into a stage musical developed by Tim Minchin, who composed the music and lyrics for the production. The show won several Tony awards and Minchin began to plan a movie adaptation of his production.
According to CBR, Netflix has cast Ralph Fiennes in the role of a gender-bent version Miss Trunchbull in their adaptation of the Matilda stage musical. Trunchbull is the headmaster of Matilda's school, who inflicts cruel and unusual punishments upon her students due to her hatred of children. The adaptation will be following the stage production's lead by casting a male actor in the role of the infamous antagonist.
It was previously announced that an animated Willy Wonka series and other Roald Dahl works would also be headed to Netflix. The streaming platform intends to adapt a myriad of his stories, including The BFG, The Twits, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Going Solo, The Giraffe, and more. These adaptations are a part of their Roald Dahl universe of animated event series, which the streaming service will be developing over time.
Fiennes is no stranger to playing a villain, most notably taking on the role of Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, a role he has stated he would be game to revisit for the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The acclaimed actor recently lent his voice for one of the animals in Dolittle, the highly maligned film that was a major box office bomb. He will next be seen in The King's Man, the prequel to the previous two Kingsman films, which had its release date delayed to September 2020.
Matilda is one of the rightfully appreciated gems of the 1990s. It wonderfully adapted Dahl's whimsical story and made for a wholly unique children's film, one so different in fact it was hard to understand why audiences didn't immediately take to the film when it was originally released. Though the film is perfect as is, an adaptation of the musical stage production of the story could a bold, refreshing take on Dahl's work. Fiennes taking on the role of Truchbull is right in the actor's wheelhouse, and it's not difficult to imagine him relishing every second in the juicy role. Though fans may be hesitant about another adaptation of the beloved story, they can make up their minds for themselves when Matilda finally hits Netflix.
Source: CBR