Matilda: Lashana Lynch Joins Netflix’s Musical Adaptation

Lashana Lynch will star as Miss Honey in Netflix’s upcoming Matilda musical. The film is based on the stage play adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lynch is in final negotiations. Matthew Warchus, director of the musical, will also direct the feature. Additionally, the musical’s playwright, Dennis Kelly, is adapting the screenplay while the man behind its music and lyrics. Tim Minchin is returning as well.

Lynch’s star has been rising in recent years. In 2019, she played Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel. She’ll also appear in the next James Bond film, No Time to Die. The latest entry in the long-running spy franchise has been delayed several times. Hopefully, it will premiere this year on April 2. Matilda will be a change of pace from the actress’s other work.

Netflix will handle the worldwide distribution of Matilda while Sony’s TriStar Pictures will handle an exclusive theatrical run in the UK. TriStar Pictures produced the 1996 movie directed by Danny DeVito. Following the theatrical run, UK subscribers will get access to the movie on their Netflix accounts.

The Success of Matilda On and Off-Screen

Roald Dahl originally published Matilda in 1988. The story follows a gifted girl who uses telekinesis to right wrongs in her life and help out her friends. While the author has published many popular children’s books, Matilda is one of his more well-known. This is partially due to the 1996 live-action movie directed by and starring Danny Devito as Matilda’s father. It also starred Embeth Davidtz as Miss Honey and Mara Wilson in the titular role.

The stage musical that serves as the basis for the Netflix adaptation was also a massive success. It received a 12-week trial run in late 2010 from the Royal Shakespeare Company before premiering on West End in 2011 and then on Broadway in 2013. It earned 7 Olivier Awards, tying for the most of any musical with Hamilton. And in 2013, it earned 5 Tony Awards.

Are you excited for another adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda? Be sure to let us know in the comments.